Dark Magic (Darkhaven Saga Book 2)

by Danielle Rose

  “The game’s not over yet,” Malik says. He’s annoyed, and his voice betrays that.

  Hikari groans loudly. “Ugh! Seriously?”

  “It’s time to admit defeat, brother,” Jasik says. He still has a stupid grin slapped across his face, so I can imagine why Malik is irritated with everyone.

  Malik tosses Jasik a look that tells him he will never admit defeat, and then he looks at me. “Let’s talk about training.”

  “What? Malik wants to talk about training? No surprise there,” I say with a chuckle.

  Holland and I update the hunters, describing everything that happened. Talking about it is almost as incredible as experiencing it. But being vampires, the hunters don’t understand what it’s like to connect so deeply with yourself, and that saddens me. Since they can’t comprehend magic, they focus on the technical issues. And that’s a major joy kill.

  “What if Holland was a vampire? Would it have the same effect?” Jasik asks.

  Jasik’s lack of enthusiasm, while expected, is upsetting. I want more from my sire. I want him to be as excited about this as I am. But I give him the benefit of at least thinking about his question before I answer.

  Finally, I say, “I don’t know. I guess we’d have to try and see.”

  “Yeah,” Holland says with a loud laugh. “Any volunteers?”

  “Maybe I should practice some more before we jump into the big stuff, like controlling the magic and not killing everyone.”

  “It’ll only be a matter of time before you’re able to call upon the magic and use it at your discretion,” Holland says.

  “So, basically, everything is still the same? You just feel better about it now?” Hikari says.

  “Hikari,” Jasik says sharply.

  “I’m serious,” she says. “Basically you can still only use it if you’re in trouble, and even then, you may not be able to control how much you use?”

  I nod. “I need more time, guys. But yes, I haven’t mastered it yet, so we have to be careful.”

  The front door opens, and Jeremiah strolls in, scanning the room until his gaze lands on Holland. He stiffens slightly, standing straighter, and I hear the nearly silent sharp inhalation that betrays his innermost desires. The other vampires pretend not to notice.

  “How was patrol?” Jasik asks. He eyes me cautiously, as if silently telling me not to mention what we all just heard. It’s times like these when I wish Holland was a vampire. He would have heard Jeremiah and realized they feel the same way. If only someone would speak up, these two lovebirds would be back together already. I still don’t know what separated them, but I bet it can be resolved with simple communication.

  Jeremiah shrugs and takes the open seat directly across from Holland. “Uneventful.”

  This catches my attention. It’s interesting that the other vampires and witches of Darkhaven are keeping to themselves. In a town crawling with supernaturals, there is never an uneventful night. Rogue vampires hunt nightly, so where are they?

  “You didn’t see anything at all?” I ask.

  Jeremiah shakes his head. “Just humans in town.”

  I arch a brow. “You went that far?”

  “Well, the woods are empty, so I checked on the witches and then went into town.”

  “And you didn’t see anything strange?” Malik asks. Clearly our training sessions are causing us to be on the same wavelength. We both find this odd.

  “I said no already,” Jeremiah says, his voice tinged with annoyance.

  “What is it?” Jasik asks.

  “It’s just…strange that the witches and rogues took the same night off,” I say. “That almost never happens.”

  “Well, your coven was just attacked,” Hikari says. “They’re busy with the aftermath.”

  I groan internally. I wish she would stop calling them my coven. They’re not my coven anymore. I don’t comment on it, choosing to remain focused on the issue at hand, but I hope she can sense my frustration.

  “Sure, but what about the rogues? We didn’t fight every rogue nearby, and some did escape. Where are they?”

  “Ava, I’m sure it’s nothing,” Jasik says. His voice is soft, calm, soothing, but it irritates me.

  “If I’ve learned nothing else since becoming a vampire, I know there is no such thing as a coincidence.”

  Something is coming, and I will be ready for it.

  Chapter Ten

  It’s been twenty-four hours since I tapped into my magic, and I’m itching to connect again. Unfortunately, it’s my turn to patrol. Jasik argued I should get a pass since training with Holland is more important, but I could tell the others needed a break. Even Holland seemed excited to spend the evening confined to the manor with the vampires—and his ex.

  I have to admit, I’m way more interested in Holland’s former relationship and his past life with his coven than I thought I would be. When he first arrived, I only cared to understand why a house of vampires was calling on a witch for help. That seemed odd and something I’ve never experienced in my time as a witch. I was intrigued, and I wanted to make sure I knew what I was getting into.

  Now, I can tell these two lovebirds want to rekindle their romance, but Jeremiah is too stubborn and Holland is too scared to reconcile. We may be immortal, but that doesn’t mean we’re invincible. Death will catch us one day, so life is too short to hold grudges when you’re in love.

  Jasik wants me to butt out. He hasn’t actually said those words, but he doesn’t need to. I can practically read his mind at this point. He gives me one stare, and I know exactly what he’s thinking. It’s terrifying but still exciting that I can connect with someone on such a deep level. Since I’m basically an orphan now, it’s nice to have a friend—or whatever we are.

  I glance at Jasik, who’s patrolling with me tonight. The others still don’t believe I can be trusted to hunt alone. Sure, they let me off my leash every once in a while, and during those times, I run free and wild like a mangy mutt. I don’t return home until the sunlight is licking my heels. That’s probably why they fear for my safety. I take too many risks for these old vampires. They’re set in their ways, and they need someone young and fresh to show them the world is pretty incredible if only they would leave the manor.

  In years past, I’ve never felt the desire to leave Darkhaven. I knew it was my responsibility to keep the town safe, but now that I’ve sort of severed that responsibility, I can travel, see the world, experience other cultures, meet new people… The possibilities of this new life are endless and exciting.

  Jasik must feel my eyes on him, because he turns to face me. Quickly, I look away, but I know I’m not fast enough. He catches me gawking, and now I’m fighting back a smile. I love the way he makes me feel, and I hope that never changes.

  I look up at the sky. Another full moon will soon be upon us. Time is moving so quickly, I can barely keep up with all these changes. I’m starting to enjoy my time as a vampire, and I don’t regret my choice and Jasik’s decision to turn me. Amicia even seems to count on me. I feel like I’m a valued member of a team, and as strange as it sounds, I’ve never felt that way before. The witches work similarly to the vampires, but I always felt like an outcast. I don’t anymore, and that’s pretty awesome.

  The night sky twinkles overhead. The stars and moon are bright enough to light the forest as we walk silently. Jasik is close enough to touch. Every few steps, the back of my hand grazes the back of his, and sparks ignite in my soul.

  Whenever I’m around my sire, I feel a roller coaster of emotions. Sometimes being around him is so intense, I can barely breathe. Other times, I relish in the calmness of it. Jasik makes me feel safe, wanted, desired… Ever since I first transitioned, I’ve known Jasik will always be by my side. I’m not sure I can navigate this chaotic life without him, so I’m glad to know I mean as much to him as he means to me.

  I used to worry my feelings were because of our sire bond. At first I was wary of it. I didn’t want him to control me. I’d
just freed myself from the witches, and all they wanted to do was dominate me. Mamá controlled every part of my life, and I was too naïve to question if it should be that way or if I should have more of a say. I was so used to it, I spent my nights risking my own life to protect them, and I was never thanked. That didn’t use to bother me, but it does now.

  But our sire bond isn’t like that. The intensity, the devotion to each other, isn’t an obligation. I could walk away, and Jasik couldn’t stop me. But I don’t want to. I feel him inside me on a cellular level. His blood courses through my veins. I am happier when he’s around. I feel a calming wave washing over me, and though it’s all-consuming, I like the way he makes me feel. I am confident and beautiful, strong and coveted. We truly care for each other, and that’s how it should be. He and I are a team, and we fight to stop the rogues once and for all.

  I glance over at Jasik and find him staring at me. I feel my cheeks growing hot, the blood pooling there to betray my innermost desires. This is the only bad thing about being so transparent with my emotions. The ones I don’t want on display are the strongest and most obvious. Jasik is a bit harder to read, but I’m getting better at it.

  “Staring is impolite,” I tease.

  “I guess I’m a rude man,” he says. Every so often, his English accent coats his words in a delectable manner. He’s spent so much time in the States, it’s almost a treat when I hear it. This same thing happens to Malik and Amicia. Their accents are muddled by their American cadence.

  He winks at me, and my knees are weak. His eyes are bright red and glowing. His skin is pale and radiant in the moonlight. Everything about him shimmers. He’s the most enchanting person I’ve ever met—and it only took death to introduce us.

  I want to talk about the night we almost kissed, but I don’t mention it. He hasn’t either. I wonder if he thinks I regret it. Am I not giving off the right signals? I wish I had someone to talk to about boys and love and the right way to kiss someone.

  Liv was always my go-to gossip queen. We navigated our emotions with late-night chats, raw cookie dough, and romantic comedies. Now the only person I can talk to is Hikari, but just because she looks my age doesn’t mean she is. She’s probably closer to one hundred than seventeen. I don’t even bother considering Amicia.

  The only reason we almost kissed was because my blood lust got the better of me. I never would have tried seducing him if I hadn’t drunk his blood. I mean, the middle of an epic fight isn’t the best time to take our relationship to the next level. So far, Jasik has been courtly. It’s his nature, and I know this. But I think I want more.

  I still can’t believe I just thought that. There was a time I’d convinced him I had no intention of staying at the manor. I wanted to learn from him and be on my way back to the witches. I’m not sure I ever told him I’ve changed my mind, that there’s no going back for me.

  “Jasik, you know I’m happy, right?” I say.

  He eyes me curiously, a brow arched in confusion. He’s probably thinking that that was a random statement. If only he could follow my thoughts…

  No! Scratch that. The last thing I need is for him to be inside my head.

  “I suppose so, yes,” he says.

  “I just… I hope you know I like how things are now.”

  “What things?”

  Something in the distance moves. A twig snaps, and our heads jerk toward the noise. Before I can consider what’s happening or how I’m going to answer his question, Jasik moves in front of me, putting himself between the noise and me. After a few seconds, a skunk trudges from a bush. The moment the tiny creature notices us, his ears perk up and tail stands on end. Thankfully, his fluffy black-and-white butt is pointed in the other direction. The last thing I need right now is to be sprayed.

  “Come on,” I caution, pulling Jasik by the arm. We leave the creature to continue its scavenging.

  Several minutes have passed, and I still haven’t answered Jasik’s question. I know it’s too late to respond now, but I can’t stop thinking about what he said.

  What things?

  What things am I happy with now?

  If I don’t answer him in a totally chill, nonchalant way, he’s going to assume I mean I like the way things are between us right now, and that’s not true, is it?

  I groan internally. Sometimes I hate being an emotional teenager. I can’t make up my mind about anything. On top of that indecisive fest, I am daunted by the scattered emotions of a newborn vampire. Heightened senses are fantastic. Heightened emotions aren’t so great.

  “I just meant I’m happy living with the vampires,” I finally say.

  Jasik nods. “They’re happy you’re there.”

  “Are you?” I whisper.

  Jasik stops walking and keeps his gaze straight ahead. I know he’s processing my words, and I think I’ve finally given him the push he needs to make a move—or, at the very least, to talk about that night. Our gazes meet, and I swear my heart is impaled by a lightning bolt. It’s as if Thor himself is urging me to continue, so I do.

  “Ava…” Jasik’s voice is soft. I love the way my name dances past his lips.

  I step forward, closing the space between us. The wind flutters through the trees, blowing the branches in such a way, it’s as if they sing just for our ears tonight.

  I rest my palms against his chest and look up at him. His jaw is clenched tightly shut; the tiny muscles in his cheeks shift as his tension eases.

  Suddenly the chill is gone and the night is warm, misty, and a haze forms all around us. The air is so moist, it’s hard to breathe. I inhale the breaths he exhales, and it’s oddly erotic.

  I lean closer, and something rustles in the distance. Jasik spins around, finding nothing but darkness. It seems the forest is empty tonight, with nothing but the two of us and my ever-growing restlessness.

  Can’t a girl catch a break?

  My heart is hammering a hundred beats a second. I feel like I’m a child again and I’ve just been caught sneaking out of my room to play after Mamá has already scolded me for not going to bed as instructed.

  Clearly feeling as though we’re surrounded by spies, we both ready ourselves for an attack. Except it never comes. Once again, Jasik and I are alone with nothing but our unruly emotions.

  “I’m not expecting this to be an eventful hunt,” Jasik says quietly. I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or trying to calm himself, but I answer him.

  “I think we’re the only vampires in the woods tonight,” I say, hoping to ease his nerves. Jasik seems on edge, and I’m not sure if it’s because of something I’m doing or if it’s because we’re supposed to be patrolling and we’re letting our emotions get in the way. It’s careless, sloppy work, but I don’t care.

  “That doesn’t seem to bother you anymore,” Jasik says as he turns to face me.

  His words bring me crashing down. Once on cloud nine, I’m now rooted firmly on earth and back in my head. Almost immediately, my desire to pick up where we left off is extinguished. I cross my arms over my chest, giving the universal signal guys know well. I must come off harsh, because Jasik seems to cower beneath my stare.

  I’m certain he can sense my agitation. I hate for him to think I’m on edge because of something he did or said, when really, I’m upset with myself. My sudden anxiety has nothing to do with him and everything to do with the fact that we’re right. We’re alone in these woods, which means we still haven’t seen a rogue vampire.

  What are the chances that they wouldn’t be around two nights in a row? Something is happening. The others may not sense it, but I do. This feels exactly like before, when I sensed danger and no one in my coven believed me. Even though I’m enjoying my new life, I can’t help but wonder how different things would be if Mamá had just believed me. No one had to die that night, including me.

  “It doesn’t make you uncomfortable when the rogues are in hiding?” I ask.

  Jasik exhales loudly and shrugs. “No more than when the witches
are missing.”

  “Hikari explained their disappearance. Can you explain the rogues going MIA?” I counter. I hope I don’t come off as argumentative, but I’m irritated that no one seems to care about this except me. I may be a novice vampire, but I have my common sense.

  Something. Is. Happening.

  And I will make Jasik see it too.

  “Their sire was killed. That can inflict a lot of damage on a nest,” Jasik says.

  “So their leader is gone and they’re making a run for it? It would be nice to have fewer rogues in Darkhaven,” I say a little too excitedly.

  “Not exactly. I don’t expect them to leave town, but someone will step up to lead them,” Jasik explains.

  Just terrific. Of course someone will step up, because a moment’s peace is just too much to ask. The rise of a new leader can only mean difficult times ahead. My earlier happiness is squashed, and I only have myself to blame. I suppose I can never be too happy while still residing in Darkhaven. It’s like it senses it and then crushes it.

  “And what does that entail?” I ask. I’m partly readying myself for what’s to come, but also, the inner workings of the vampire world are fascinating. I used to think they lived their lives in solitude, but that’s not the case at all. This is where the movies are way off.

  “It depends on how many step forward,” Jasik says. “Only one can lead, so there will be a duel to determine the strongest leader.”

  “A duel? Like a fight to the death?”

  “Exactly. The remaining vampire will be granted temporary leadership over any who wish to stay. Some might leave and try to form their own nest by siring vampires. But not everyone can handle the responsibility.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask.

  “Leaders must take a stand. It’s not simply about proving ability. Power and strength are important, especially to rogues. They lost their leader to witches. They will seek retribution for losing their sire,” Jasik says.