“So, dance lessons and training? You, sir, are a man of many surprises.”
“Well, we are to be married. I want to tango with my wife at our wedding, and afterward. They are both valuable lessons to take.”
“Yes, but in our home, you will be the master, and out there…out here. After curfew. I will be. You must be willing to allow me to take risks, take charge of every situation. It’s something I will not compromise on. Not when it comes to life and death. I know that makes me an undesirable wife, but-”
Liam held up his hand, and she stopped talking. “I will never say anything makes you undesirable. I desire every inch of you, and always will. Our wedding night will be the happiest night of my life, and every night thereafter. Because I will get to call you my wife. There will be no master, in or outside of our home. We will be partners in everything. The good, the bad and the horrific.”
He gently pad his thumb against her jaw, and she turned her face into his palm and kissed it. Holding his hand to her cheek with hers she looked him in the eyes for the first time.
“I love you, Liam Cortland. Partners it is.”
Chapter Three
Ten Months Later
The morning dew lifted from the grass outside her suite. A hotel room for the bride and her company to get ready for the big day compliments of the mayor. The sun showed through the window, refusing her the ability to see herself in the mirror past the glare.
“Let me get the drapes, Annabelle.” Her mother called from across the room.
When the window was finally blocked, Annabelle turned back to the mirror. It was bathed in a golden hue from the sun through the white curtain, but she was finally able to see her own features through the light. Her emerald eyes darted back and forth between the various things to look at. Her face was done lightly, bringing attention to her more favorable features. She had light pink over her high cheekbones and mauve on the lids of her eyes. A pale nude lip color allowed her to look as natural as possible while still looking elegant. Her hair was done up in curls, just the way her groom liked it.
A crown of lace and pearls sat atop her head, and more beads adorned her earlobes and neckline. Annabelle agonized over the dress for months. She couldn’t decide which she liked more. The one with the pearls and lace, or the simple plain dress with no adornments. In the end, her mother decided she needed one with some special meaning. Something that showed the town what a special girl she was. Her mother had her own wedding gown refashioned into a dress. Lace around the hem with small pearls and diamond-like gems was the only ornamentation. It had a sweetheart top, was high-waisted and stopped just past her ankles to hide her bare feet.
The ceremony was to be held in the gardens of the town hall, which sat next to the inn where she was getting ready. Beautiful flowers covered the grounds surrounding the area where chairs and an aisle were made up for the event. A large tent overlooking the back of the property was dressed up in blue and yellow flowers, ribbons and balloons.
Annabelle stood from her seat and stepped closer to the window to look out over the spectacle going on. The staff hired for the Mayor’s Son’s wedding scurried about with flower centerpieces and place settings for the reception. It would take place immediately after the ceremony, leaving only time enough for the new bride and groom to steal away for a few moments to breathe in a breath of fresh air.
“Come away from the window.” Her mother beckoned. “We wouldn’t want someone to see you too soon.”
“Yes, mother.” She made her way back to the chair in front of the vanity.
Her fingers moved together pushing at her palms, her feet tapped against the floor and her knees started to shake up and down uncontrollably. She was doing her best but failing at remaining calm. She couldn’t tell where the nervousness was coming from, she just knew in her heart things were not going to run smoothly.
She turned in her chair, noticing Liam’s mother had come to the room. She was a small framed woman, much to the surprise of Annabelle. Both Liam and his brother were so tall, she’d just assumed it was a strong trait from both his parents.
Annabelle knew she’d found a good match when she was able to say her husband would be slightly taller than she. Being born with such gifts as hers was bound to bring her some unwanted attributes. She was unusually tall for a woman and wore her hair long to make her look more proportionate.
Her mother and Mrs. Cortland spoke in hushed voices. So much so, that even Annabelle’s unusually good hearing couldn’t overhear what they said. It was either they were doing it on purpose, or Annabelle’s heart was pounding in her ears. If Liam’s mother were there in her room to see the bride, then she would have entered and spoken to Annabelle. Not to her mother in the doorway.
“Is everything okay, mama?” She asked after a few minutes.
Her mother turned to her. A forced smile spread across the faces of both the woman. “Yes, dear. It’s just, Liam seems to be a bit behind schedule. You know how men can be.” She moved to her daughter and patted her shoulder.
Annabelle thought of Liam and how punctual he’d been for every single one of their dates. He was always the proper gentleman. He spoke about forever and eternity together. He’d become fascinated with the way she lived. Hunting in the night, killing monsters, and making a name for herself within the community. He’d called her their savior, forgoing every religious deity he’d grown up with.
So, no, Annabelle did not believe he was just behind schedule. He would have been there on the day of their wedding, hours before it, helping the staff in the house get prepared. He would have been standing at the altar before the first guest had arrived. Or trying to peek in her room just to get a glimpse.
Annabelle pulled the crown of pearls and lace from her head and threw it on the floor at her feet, she pulled the dress from her shoulders and slid it to the floor and took the jewelry from her ears and neck.
“Anna. What are you doing?” Mrs. Preston yelled.
“He’s not behind schedule mother. He’s never behind schedule. He’s the promptest man I’ve ever met. It’s one of the things I love about him. Which means, something happened or he’s having second thoughts. I’m going with something happening.”
“You think?” Mrs. Cortland asked, tears swelling the small woman’s eyes.
“I’m sorry, but yes. When have you ever known your son to be late to anything?”
“Never. Liam was even early to his own birth.” She ran from the room calling for her husband.
Annabelle made her way home, running the entire way. Not caring that a young woman in a knee-length dress shouldn’t be running through town. She barreled through the door of the house and up to her room. Forgoing her sundress she wore over to the hotel, she grabbed her trousers and blouse and attached her weapons. A dagger and sword at her waist and a knife in her boot.
When she landed on the bottom step to the first floor of the house, Clive swung open the back entrance and stared at his daughter. “What in the sam hell do you think you’re doing?”
“I’m hunting. If Liam has been captured, there is a possibility he’s still alive.”
“Annabelle, it’s broad daylight.”
“Exactly. It’s daylight, but there was overcast this morning. I was too busy getting ready for my wedding. I told you I should have been patrolling this morning.”
“Andrew and Ashton patrolled this morning. They found nothing. Not one vampire in the area. He’s just late. Have you not considered that?”
“Of course, I have. Liam is never late for anything. How on earth do you think he would be on his wedding day if he’s even early for a grueling day of training with us?”
“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but if he’s been taken it’s far too late to save him.”
“Are you sure? I know you’ve heard the rumors, father.”
“The boys found nothing. Now, stop this nonsense. Go change, and we will head back to the Manor.”
“What I have on is fine.”
&nbs
p; She reluctantly left the house to return to the Mayor’s Manor house. Although she didn’t change out of her hunting gear, and her father didn’t ask her to again. He allowed her to carry the small knife and dagger but requested the sword stay with the rest of their weapons at the house.
“There you are.” Mrs. Cortland ran up to Annabelle taking in her attire. “Oh honey, I am so sorry. We’ve been delivered a telegram from Liam. He’s not been attacked. He’s left. He wants to discover the world before he settles down. He apologizes profusely, but requests you move on with your life and forget him. He won’t be returning.”
“Are you sure it’s from him?” Tears began to swell hot and heavy in her eyes.
“Yes, I’m sure. It’s in Liam’s hand. I guess his father and I have not been listening to his wishes. He’s upset with us and is lashing out. I’m so sorry he’s hurt you.”
Annabelle never shed a tear that day, nor the next. It wasn’t until she stopped thinking about the good parts of him that she started to miss him.
Chapter Four
Three months later
The earth squished beneath Annabelle’s feet. Water pushed up out of the ground around her boots with each step she took. Twigs snapped, sounding like gunshots to her ears. Sadness and grief turned to anger, which she took out on her victims. She had gotten so bad that even the twins refused to hunt with her anymore. Her abilities kept improving with every kill she made. So, she usually jumped between them and every enemy they encountered.
Annabelle watched as the cold earth mixed with the leftover heat of the day. Fog lifting from the ground combined with the trees and danced in the moonlight. There was something else in the air. Something she couldn’t put her finger on, but something that hung thick when she took a breath causing her chest to feel heavy.
It wasn’t anything visible, nor did it have a smell to it. There was no real corporeal way to point it out or measure it, but it was there. She could feel it wrapping around her in an unhealthy embrace. She shivered, not seeing the pair of eyes staring at her from beyond a group of trees. They moved nearer and then, just as it launched itself from the darkness the forest provided for cover, she turned. Her sword was sheathed, her dagger as well. Annabelle held nothing to defend herself, yet the animal fell to the ground mid-jump.
An arrow whistled through the darkness until contacting the most massive beast Annabelle had ever seen. Its teeth were jagged, the hide looked like red and black leather. She examined it as it lay on the ground whimpering from the wound on its side. There was very little fur, yet it resembled a giant wolf.
“It’s a hellhound. Have you never seen one?” A husky voice she’d never encountered came from between the trees.
She pulled her sword out, pointing the tip of the blade down at the animal. It growled up at her. Its red eyes narrowed, and the thing tried to stand. Annabelle jumped backward. Visibly shaken.
“No, I’ve never…” she answered. Her eyes still trained on the dying animal.
“They are feral beasts. Created from wolves bitten by vampires. It’s been said that some hunters breed them and sell them to humans for defense against the vampires.”
“Why?”
“Because, they may be animals of the undead variety, but they are fiercely loyal creatures. They protect who cares for them against all others. This one looks like a wild animal. No master to give it orders. He was just hunting for food.”
“It’s a pity.” She said looking for the voice then back to the hound.
“A pity?”
“Yes, that anyone would do this to an animal. It’s sad really.”
“I have to agree.”
Annabelle watched as the hellhound started to dissolve around the arrow. When it was free of the creature, she took it in her hand while the thing turned to ash. The shaft was made of birch, the feathers were stark white, and the tip was made of pure silver. She put it to her nose and sniffed it.
“Garlic?” she asked, her inquisitive mind wondered how anyone else may have thought to do what her father, a man with centuries of knowledge, had found irrational.
“Yes, and dipped in holy water. I was told it worked wonders.” He said pointing to the place where the animal had been.
“That it does. I thought I was the only one who does that.”
“May I?” He asked holding out his hand.
She responded by taking her sword from the scabbard and offering it to him by dangling the handle on one finger in front of him. He stepped from the darkness which concealed him and took her offering. His eyes were lovely emerald green. They reminded her of the waters of the ocean. His hair was dark as night blending into the darkness. It was hard for her to tell if it was short or long. Though, she could see the glow in his eyes. They showed magic within him, just like her. They were two of a kind. She could feel it.
“Like calls to like.” He said breaking the silence around them.
“How did you know I was thinking that?” she asked him curiously, though she did not quite know why she felt that way.
“I didn’t, I was just making an observation as to why I was drawn here, to you. I’m Emerick Bellator.”
“Annabelle Preston. Nice to meet you.”
Finally, Annabelle had found her match. A man that had the same abilities as she. He was born to hunt, and always believed he was meant for much more, but no body told him what that would be.
They spent weeks hunting together in secret. Emerick not wanting to show himself in town just yet, as he was on the hunt of a demon. The one that started sending hellhounds into town after town all across the east coast before their master attacked. He believed the demon was hiding in plain sight, able to walk among the humans during the day.
“Some demons can do that?”
“Yes. Many of them. Vampires are the only ones that are restricted to night walking. Actual demons have no restrictions. Other than the usual ones; holy water, silver, sometimes iron, garlic, and salt.”
“Salt? That’s a new one for me too.”
“I thought you said your father was raised as you are? Generations of teachings?”
“That’s what he’s told me. Obviously, not all hunters are taught the same things.”
“I suppose not.” He moved his hand as if he were going to touch her face.
She could feel his breath on her as they spoke. When he only moved a strand of hair behind her ear, Annabelle felt disappointed at the lack of contact. It had been over a month that they trained and hunted in secret, each time she felt a pull to him she never had before.
“I’d like to introduce you to him. If you’re ready.”
“I think I’m ready now. I’d love to meet your family, Anna.”
“Know body has ever called me that before.”
“Well, then it’ll be my pleasure to be the only one.” He took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. “I think today is the perfect time to meet your family. Maybe your father first?”
“I think that can be arranged,” she said with a flush feeling in her face.
The meeting was set. Emerick would arrive before sunset for an early dinner. Introducing him first to Annabelle’s father and mother. Her heart was racing in her chest. Her palms were sweaty, and she couldn’t stop her leg from twitching. She’d been nervous in the past, but what she felt then was more infinite. What her father thought of Emerick was important to her.
When she began her last relationship, it was at the behest of her family and his. This one was her choice. Emerick was like her, not someone who had to try to be like her.
When Emerick showed up to the house, he was wearing a suit minus a tie. He held a bouquet of wildflowers and a smile as Annabelle answered the door.
“Papa, he’s here,” Annabelle yelled. When he drew nearer, she whispered to him, “please be nice.”
“Sweetheart, if he makes your heart heal I will be nice. If he breaks it, I will break him. I won’t watch you shatter again.”
“I know, papa. For now, be n
ice?”
“You got it.”
They opened the door all the way to see he still stood there with a smile on his face. Emerick extended his hand to Clive. “Hello, sir. My name is Emerick Bellator. I’m a friend of Anna’s.”
“Anna, huh?” Clive looked back at his daughter with a questioning glance, but a smirk marred his face. “It’s nice to meet you, Emerick, friend of Anna. You’ll have to excuse me. My daughter is close-lipped about nothing, and yet I hear you have been acquaintances for some weeks now and today was the first she said anything on the subject. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say I am a little curious about you.”
“Ah, yes sir. That was my fault. I didn’t want anyone in town to know of my arrival until I’d caught the demon I chased here.” Clive gave Annabelle a warning look, and then Emerick. When he didn’t say anything, Emerick decided to embellish. “Anna and I are exactly the same, sir. Only I have had a bit more knowledge stuffed into the old noggin.”
“Oh. I see. I knew there were more hunters around the world, but I’d never encountered any outside of my own family. Please, come in and meet the rest of our family.”
To say Clive was happy for his daughter was an understatement. He always wanted for her to find a nice young man and settle down. To have children to keep the line of hunters alive. Annabelle was aware of how he’d agonized over her growing abilities all her life, and decided to start holding back and making her parents less aware of what she could really do. Only when she hunted and trained with Emerick did she feel she could show what she was truly capable of.
Chapter Five
Annabelle had never needed a reason to hunt in the past. Or a reason to see a certain someone. Though she found herself going out earlier each day. Her brothers tried to follow her everywhere since meeting Emerick. They idolized him. He was everything every young hunter wants to be. Unlike their sister, who they thought could have been had she been born the right gender.
Tangled Web (Ravana Moon #2.5) Page 2