Astrid had two choices: slide over the hood of the sports car and escape or get in. “Fine.” She slid inside the car. “Oh God, these seats are amazing,” she sighed. They were buttery soft and luxurious.
“They’re heated, too.” He turned a dial on the dash.
She sank into the seat. “Oohhhh. I could live right here.” She gave him a smirk. “So, Mr. Vrost, is this how you get unsuspecting women into your car?”
“Only you, Ms. Jonasson,” he said with a devilish smile before turning his gaze back on the road. He had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, the muscles of his tattooed forearm flexing as he put the car into gear.
Astrid groaned inwardly. Jesus H. Christ, did everything the man do have to turn her on? Everything about Zac reminded her of this car—it screamed sex and was totally unattainable to her. Why she even let him manipulate her into this situation, she didn’t know. It was like all she had to do was smell his incredible scent and look into those sexy ice blue eyes, and she would do anything he wanted. Just the thought of him dominating her—
“Penny for your thoughts?” he said.
“I’m sure you could afford more.” She crossed her arms and turned away from him, instead, focusing her attention on the road.
In his sleek little car, they made it to their destination in no time. Blood Moon was a night club in midtown Manhattan, one that catered to Lycans and magical people. It was partly owned by the Alpha himself, and while they weren’t allowed to shift inside the club, many Lycans went there to mingle and socialize with their kind. Zac stopped the car in front of the entrance.
“Parking’s a bitch in midtown, so I guess I’ll see you later.” Or never. Astrid unbuckled her seatbelt. “Thanks for the ride.”
“They have valet—”
She didn’t let him finish, but instead hopped out of the car and dashed straight to the club entrance. She hastily gave the hostess her name, and as soon as she crossed the velvet ropes, headed straight for the doors that led to The Lounge in the back of the building.
Blood Moon’s ultra-plush VIP room was closed off from the main section of the club, and as the name implied, was a secret lounge area for the club’s most important guests. It was more calm inside, which was probably why Deedee decided to have her party here, despite hating night clubs. As she crossed the room, she said hello to a few people she recognized, but kept craning her neck, trying to look for Deedee. Finally, she spotted the guest of honor coming out of the bathrooms.
“I need a drink.” She grabbed her best friend’s arm and dragged her over to the bar. “Dirty martini,” she said to the bartender. “Extra martini. Extra olives. Extra alcohol.”
“What in the world—I thought you weren’t coming until later,” Deedee said.
“I thought so too. But I got the night off.” She trained her eyes on the bartender, watching as he prepared her drink. It barely landed on the bar before she picked it up and knocked it back.
“Then why are you drinking like your puppy died? Oh my God, Astrid, did you get fired again?”
“I’ll have you know, I only get fired from my jobs about 47 percent of the time.” She pushed the empty glass toward the bartender. “One more, please. And one for my friend. Thanks.”
“What in the world is going on then?” Deedee asked. “Are you upset about last night still?”
“Last night?” She wrinkled her brows together.
“You know. Isabelle.”
“Oh, her.” She’d actually forgotten about Isabelle.
“In case you were looking for the lovely Miss Anderson,” Deedee began, “her invitation might have gotten lost in the mail.”
Astrid’s jaw dropped. “You didn’t.”
Deedee feigned a sigh. “Oh, technology these days. Text messages could easily get lost in cyberspace.”
“You sneaky bitch.”
“Meh, I never liked her.” Deedee smirked. “Do you know when I told her I was going to school for archeology, she asked me if a Sagittarius would make a good boyfriend for a Leo?”
Astrid howled in laughter. “She didn’t.”
“Oh, yeah.”
“What did you say?”
“Well, I—”
“Hello ladies.”
Crap.
Zac sidled up to them. “Congratulations, Deedee.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Thanks, Zac,” Deedee replied. “What are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn’t make it?”
“Wait, you weren’t even planning to be here?” Astrid asked, her voice rising.
“What can I say? You convinced me to come.” Zac’s gaze became heavy-lidded. “Plus, I know you enjoyed that ride I gave you.”
Heat crept up her cheeks and she knew he wasn’t talking about the Porsche. “I did not—”
“Zac!” Lucas grabbed his friend’s shoulder. “You made it. I told Adrianna you wouldn’t show up. C’mon!”
“I—” Zac tried to protest, but Lucas tugged him toward one of the couches where Adrianna and a few of their cousins and friends were waiting.
Astrid breathed a sigh of relief when Zac let Lucas drag him away.
“You convinced Zac to come?” Deedee raised a delicate brow at her. “Something you want to tell me?”
“It’s not what you think.”
“Somehow, I doubt it.” She grabbed her hand. “What’s going on with you and Zac? When you left last night, he tore after you like his life depended on it. Then, he came back inside, looking for you.”
“I don’t—”
“Spill, Miz Jonasson,” Deedee demanded.
“Fiddlefucker.” She took the two drinks the bartender put in front of them and gulped both down. “Zac and I … he kissed me.”
“He what?” Deedee looked at her in disbelief. “Where? When? How?”
“In the closet. This afternoon. With, er, his mouth?”
“Oh. My. Freaking. God.” Her eyes went wide. “You and Zac made—”
“Shush!” She covered Deedee’s mouth with her palm. “If I tell you the whole story, do you promise to keep your voice down?” The other girl nodded. “All right.” She took her hand away and proceeded to tell Dee the story about the broom closet and the private room at The Vixen Den.
“Holy Moly.” Deedee’s mouth was formed into a perfect O. “What are you going to do now?”
“I don’t know.” Astrid buried her face in her hands. “Avoid Zac for the next year or so?”
“Fat chance,” Deedee snorted. “While he may have this cool exterior, I know that when Zac wants something, he’s like a rabid dog. He’s not going to just let this go.”
“Then what should I do?”
“Don’t you like him back? Why did you make out with him twice today then?”
“I told you why. It’s just … he’s him and I’m me.” She chewed on her lip. “It’s just … impossible you know. Could you imagine what Cady Vrost would think? Her golden boy and me? Plus, Nick would shit a brick.”
“What? Cady and Nick are the nicest people in the world,” Deedee said. “Why would they think bad of you?”
“Well, you know …”
“I don’t.” Deedee crossed her arms over her chest. “You’re my best friend and I think you’re fabulous.”
Astrid gave her a weak smile. “Thanks. But we’re just from different worlds. And he’s way out of my league.”
“How very classist of you,” Dee snorted. “What are we—in the dark ages? Do you need to seek Nick Vrost’s approval for his son’s hand in marriage? Will you be bringing an appropriate dowry?”
“You don’t understand.” Of course she didn’t; being older than her and with her father’s close ties to the Alpha, plus being the daughter of the only billionaire dragon shifter in the world, Deedee had a certain standing in the community, just like Zac.
Astrid’s parents, on the other hand, didn’t hold any type of honor or title in the Lycan community. Her mother was basically Nick’s assistant an
d her father … well, she didn’t know what Daric did exactly, except that the Alpha would often send him away on errands.
“So, you don’t like him and you don’t want to be with him?” Deedee asked. “If that’s the case, then that’s different. Just tell him you don’t want him.”
For the second time that night, she couldn’t deny that she wanted him. She wanted to say it, but the words just wouldn’t form in her mouth. “I … look, I should get some fresh air.”
“Astrid—”
“You should see to your other guests.” She motioned to the group of people coming in. “I’ll be fine, I’ll chat with you later okay?” She walked away from the bar and headed out toward the stairwell that led to the rooftop deck. Since it was still wintertime, the area was closed, but she ignored the sign and went out anyway.
It was cold outside, even for a Lycan, and the wind made the temperature drop even further. She shivered visibly, mist forming in front of her when she breathed. She walked to the edge and peered down, watching the street below.
“What are you doing out here by yourself?”
Astrid froze, recognizing the voice. She whipped around and stood there, stunned, not sure if she was seeing things. “Cross?”
Her brother stood there, his face clear in the moonlight. “Hello, Astrid.”
“Cross!” she flung herself into his arms. She bit the inside of her cheek, trying not to cry. “I’ve missed you.”
His strong arms wrapped around her. “I’ve missed you too, Astrid." When she pulled away, he looked down at her with those blue-green eyes which reminded her so much of her dad. “Why are you crying?”
She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “It’s nothing. I mean, I’m just happy to see you. You’ve been away for months, and Dad won’t tell anyone where you’ve gone.”
“I’m sorry, Astrid,” he sighed. “It’s … I’m doing some important work.”
“Then why won’t Mom or Dad say anything?”
“It’s for your protection,” he said. “For everyone’s protection.”
“What are you doing here, then?” she asked. “Why show up now?”
He brushed away the remaining wetness on her cheeks. “I’ve finished part of my work. Plus, you know how insistent Deedee can get.”
Astrid chuckled. “Yes, I do.” She sucked in a breath. “You came back for her?”
“It’s not what you think,” Cross said. “I am back for many reasons.”
“But—”
“You’re cold,” he said suddenly. With a wave of his hand, a fur-lined cloak appeared around her shoulders.
“Oohhh.” She wrapped the cloak more firmly around her. “Thanks.” Like her, Cross had inherited some of their father’s powers. But, while she only got a portion of Daric’s magic, Cross received a majority of them, including the power of transmogrification, or changing the form of matter. It was one of the more difficult types of magic to master, as it required a lot of knowledge of materials and practice.
“Is that better?” he asked.
“Yes.” She hugged him again, smelling his familiar, comforting scent. “Well, I don’t care why you’re back. I’m just glad you are. And—”
“Get away from her.”
Both she and Cross went rigid.
“She’s mine,” Zac growled. “And I won’t let you—Cross?”
Her brother released her and turned around. “Zachary.” He stretched out to his full height, which was a good three or four inches more than Zac.
“Cross? Where did you come from? I didn’t see anyone come up here except Astrid,” Zac said.
“I was invited to this party,” he said. “And what do you mean when you said my sister was yours?”
Astrid could feel both their wolves now, snarling and staring each other down. “Cross, stop,” she said, tugging at her brother’s arm. “Please. We should go back and—”
The sound of an explosion cut her off and made all three of them stop dead. An ice-cold feeling gripped her, and it wasn’t the sub-zero temps. “The Lounge.”
Zac’s face darkened. “Astrid, stay here.” He looked at Cross, who nodded and grabbed Zac by the shoulders.
“Motherfu—No!” She reached out to grab onto her brother, but it was too late. They were gone. “Stupid, Cross!” Her brother had also inherited Daric’s ability to cross long distances and bring people along.
Well, if they think I’m going to stay here, then they’re both stupid.
Chapter Nine
Zac felt the coldness grip him as Cross’ magic surrounded his body. He had a feeling that the hybrid had the same power as his father, if only evidenced by the fact that he had appeared on the rooftop without Zac seeing him. He was with Lucas, Adrianna, and their other friends when he saw Astrid head toward the rooftop. After making excuses to the table, he went after her.
Seeing her in the arms of another man drove him and his wolf insane. He wanted to tear that man’s heart out. To say that he was shocked when he realized it was her brother would be an understatement, though it did not mollify his wolf. Cross’ wolf was no more dominant than his, and it was not going to cower to anyone. But then that explosion from below had his blood growing cold in his veins.
The coldness left, and Zac felt the ground underneath his feet. Cross had transported them into the men’s bathrooms. He didn’t bother waiting for the other man as he darted out to the main lounge.
The scene outside was chaotic. Screams and growls. People running away. Broken glass and furniture. What the hell was going on? There were at least a dozen robed figures scattered about the room, waving their hands and throwing bottles on the floor that blew up into smoke. Magic potions. Were they being attacked by witches?
“No!”
Zac turned his head toward the scream. Two of the men in robes had grabbed Adrianna, holding her down as a third man threw a small vial at her. She had been screaming and fighting, her body in the middle of a shift as fur sprouted all over her skin. When the green smoke blew up around her, she went limp and the two men lifted her up.
“Adrianna!” Lucas screamed from across the room. Two men in robes blocked him, their hands raised.
Zac felt the blood drain from his face. “Stop him!” He looked around. He recognized several friends in Lycan form fighting off the attackers. Cross was there too, waving his hand and sending three men slamming into the wall. “Cross!” he called to the other man. “Get Adrianna! Now!”
Cross looked at him, and his gaze went toward the men who were dragging Adrianna away. “I’ll grab her. Don’t let him shift!” Cross disappeared as he left his warning.
Zac didn’t know how Cross knew, but there wasn’t any time for that. He was the closest to Lucas, and thus the only one who could help.
“Lucas, no!” He leapt forward, quickly changing into his Lycan form, his clothes ripping away like paper. He landed on all fours and ran to Lucas. The two robed men were holding him down. This was not good.
A loud roar reverberated through the air and the shockwave of power rippling across the room nearly knocked Zac’s wolf off its paws. His animal shrank back instinctively, but Zac fought it and urged it to go forward. We have to get to him, he told his wolf. Help him. Save him. From himself. Because he knew for certain that Lucas would not be the one who needed saving.
Fuck!
Lucas had fully turned into his Lycan form, a wolf that was so dominant and terrifying that all the Lycans in the room were surely paralyzed with fear. The wolf was pure black and was over eight feet on its hind legs, its massive jaw ripping and snarling at the two attackers. In a blur of dark fur, both men were underneath its gigantic paws, and his fearful, gaping maw came down with a vicious snarl.
Zac pushed his wolf forward, fighting its instinct to lay down and show its belly. Lucas was not in control in this state, not when Adrianna was in danger. He had to somehow reach Lucas inside his wolf. And he couldn’t do it like this.
“Lucas!” he called when he shifted back to
his human form. He changed back too quickly, and he felt dizzy, but he had to keep going. “Lucas, they’re dead. Stop.”
The wolf raised its head from the carnage, blood dripping from its snout. Blue-green eyes glowed in the dim light, and Zac felt the hairs on his arms rise. There was no recognition in his eyes, only pure animal violence. Lucas had shifted and gone straight into bloodlust.
This had only happened twice before, and no one—not Grant, Frankie, his father, or any Lycan doctor—could say why Lucas’ wolf had acted this way. Shifting in bloodlust wasn’t like going feral. Every other time he shifted, he was in control. Perhaps being the son of two Alphas made his wolf extremely dominant and powerful, but why he went out of control, no one could say for certain.
“Lucas,” he emphasized. “Please, change back.”
The wolf growled at him and snapped its jaw, then began to stalk toward him.
“Cross is here, Lucas. He’s going to save Adrianna.” He kept repeating his name, hoping he would remember who he was. “Don’t do this, Lucas.” He knew this would rip his friend apart, knowing that he killed those men. “Lucas!”
The wolf leapt at him, and he braced himself, ready to shift and tangle with Lucas if only to slow him down and stop him from hurting anyone else. But the wolf never came. A white blur whizzed past his eyes, knocking the Alpha wolf down.
“No!” He knew that scent. And he knew in his bones who it was. “Astrid, no!” He forced the shift as quickly as he could; it was painful as this was his second shift in minutes, but he had no choice. His heart banged into his ribcage, and he prayed it wouldn’t be too late as he vaulted toward where Astrid and Lucas were tangled in a flurry of black and white fur.
Lucas was much bigger than Astrid’s wolf, so he quickly gained the upper hand. She howled in pain as his paw swiped at her. Rage poured in his veins, and Zac sprang forward.
“Lucas! Stop!”
Zac’s wolf skidded to a halt when he heard Adrianna’s pleading cries. She hobbled over to Lucas, unafraid of the wolf. Her hair was disheveled and one of her shoes were gone, but she seemed unharmed otherwise. She embraced the wolf, whispering soothing words. This was the only way to get Lucas under control when he was in bloodlust.
A Twist of Fate: True Mates Generations Book 1 Page 8