Immortal Wounds: Book #1 in the Immortal Wounds Vampire Series-Paranormal Romance/Vampire Romance/Romantic Fantasy (43 page)

“I’m still alive,” I half smiled trying to put up a brave front for him. I couldn’t bear to see the pained look on his face. I could endure anything but that—and I had.

Sharp pains were shooting throughout my body. It felt like there was an internal battle going on within me. My bones were trying to heal themselves, and it was just as painful as the attack itself. I cried.

“He nearly killed you,” Marcus hissed.

I coughed, spitting up more blood onto the pillow. “I hadn’t noticed. Maybe if I’d spent less time clear cutting the trees with my body, I would have picked up on that.”

“I will kill him,” he vowed, “If Raymose hasn’t beaten me to it already. I will break every bone he has harmed of yours before I let him die.” There was no mercy in his voice.

“You’re going to have to get in line,” I groaned. Marcus could never know the reason behind Damen’s sudden physical attack on me. I knew Damen was trying to teach me a lesson. A painful lesson—that I was in no way equipped to handle the fight I’d so adamantly decided on against Marcus's wishes. It was his twisted way of showing me how much he cared—and I
would
return the favor—somehow. I wasn’t going to let Damen stop me. No one was going to take Marcus away from me, not as long as I had a breath in my body. I’d fight.

“There’s something more . . .” Marcus's tone was implying. “Something you’re not telling me.”

I forced a pained smile. “No.”

“You’re an awful liar, Phoebe.”

Marcus jumped up onto the bed abruptly, shielding me protectively, just as Raymose came rushing through my balcony doors.

I clutched my heart, hoping to keep it in my chest. I couldn’t handle much more excitement right now.

“Easy Marcus, it’s just me,” Raymose said as he put his hands out like he was slowing traffic.

“Raymose . . .” Marcus's voice was gruff. “There’s a lot of blood . . . perhaps you should leave.”

Raymose’s eyes lingered over me. I could see the red swirling through them. His nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply. “I won’t harm her,” he promised. His voice was strained like Marcus's. His blood red eyes met mine. And although I knew it caused him great pain to be this close to my bleeding body, I knew he spoke the truth—he’d never hurt me. Raymose had seen me worse, much worse.

Marcus eased himself slowly off the bed, watching Raymose carefully—his faith was not as strong as mine. “Did you kill him?”

“No. He fled. I followed but he wasn’t exactly alone,” Raymose said casually as he took a chair beside the bed.

“The army is here already?” I could hear the tension in Marcus's voice. His hands fisted at his side.

“The army is here,” Raymose repeated darkly.

Marcus walked over to the window and peered out. “How many of them are there?”

Raymose’s eyes met mine again. He forced a smile for me. The anger behind it showed he felt like doing anything but smile. “I’d say around eleven hundred or so . . . a little less than we’d planned,” he spoke to Marcus. He took the corner of my blanket and wiped away the blood from my lips. “I’m sorry you suffered.” There was real torment in his face.

I took his hand and squeezed it gently.

“How far away are they?” Marcus continued on with his questions like a soldier mapping out a plan of attack.

He smoothed the hair from my forehead. “We have two hours at the most.” Raymose’s eyes moved to Marcus now. “We don’t have enough time to move her.”

I winced at the thought. I could actually hear my bones popping back into place. The sound was sickening.

Marcus growled under his breath.

“Can you trust Richard to get her through? You know Luther has hunters coming in from the east as well as the south . . . perhaps I should take her myself . . .” Raymose’s tone changed to a possessive one. His eyes were fixed on me. “We can’t afford either of them running across her scent.”

Marcus's eyes grew dark. “She
is not
your responsibility, Raymose. She’s
mine
!” Marcus was on his last nerve. “I trust Richard with my life.”

“Yes, but can you trust him with hers?” Raymose growled back at him. “The window is very narrow. And she will
always
be my responsibility,” he added darkly.

Marcus glowered at his friend, cutting him a look that made me shiver. “I trust him with her life,” he clarified, his faith unwavering.

Raymose nodded. “Luther must be informed that the werewolf army is assembling. I must go to him now. I’ll return within the hour.”

Raymose rose from his chair. His gaze, once again, settled on me. “Stay safe,” he whispered as he bent over and kissed my forehead softly.

I gripped his hand. My eyes were full of fear—for him.

“I will,” he winked, answering my unspoken words.

“You’d better see that Richard gets her to a doctor Marcus; she’s lost too much blood.” With that, he turned and left the room.

Marcus looked at me uneasily. I knew he agreed with Raymose.

“There isn’t time!” I forced myself to sit up straight.

“Phoebe, lie down.” His tone was firm.

“I’m fine,” I moaned, trying to gingerly get up from the bed.

“But the baby isn’t!” he snapped.

I froze—taken aback by his sudden hostility.

“Fear not.” His voice softened. “Richard will lead you safely while Raymose and I head them off. The Moon Hunters are already in place, and Luther’s army is not far. You will be able to sneak out undetected.”

“What about you and Raymose?” I breathed. “How do you expect to fight so many on your own?”

“The important thing is that you get away—”

“No! That’s not the important thing. I won’t let you do it. It’s suicide! After they kill you two, they’ll be after us anyway. The four of us together—”

“NO!” It’s a miracle Damen didn’t kill you just now! Aidric won’t hesitate. You’re a marked woman.” He motioned to my stomach.

“Then I guess I’ll have to kill him first!” I warned.

Marcus's eyes narrowed. “You’ll kill him?” His tone was every bit as condescending as Damen’s had been. “Aidric is not just a werewolf. He is massive, at least twice my size. We’ve never been able to get close to him. Never! How do you think you’re going to kill him? You can barely move!”

I pushed myself to my feet, wincing silently at the pain. “You’re not going to scare me Marcus. Damen already tried that.” I averted my eyes. Marcus had keyed in on my slip of the tongue. “Aidric is threatening my life, my family . . . I won’t run away from him!” I could feel the old Phoebe’s strength rising up within me. “Besides, he’d find me, even if I did.”

Marcus smashed his fists down in frustration on a nearby table, bringing it to the floor—I couldn’t help but jump. He had my face between his hands before I’d had time to collect myself. “You will go wherever Richard takes you! DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”

I cowered away from him as he shouted the words. Marcus had never fixed such a venomous stare on me. He had reached his maximum limit of indulging my ideas on protecting myself. I could hear my heart beating loudly. It echoed over my breathing that had stopped momentarily. I was too scared to move. He looked as if he would crush my skull between his hands if I so much as whispered an argument. He wasn’t Marcus anymore . . . he was the monster I feared.

“Wherever Richard takes me,” I breathed, tears streaming down my face. He released me abruptly. I staggered back, never taking my eyes off him.

I jumped again when the door opened with a knock.

Marcus continued to glare at me. His eyes were cold and unforgiving.

“Forgive me Sir, but Mr. Raymose has asked that you meet him by the stables—Miss Rose!” I could see out the corner of my eye Richard’s mouth fall open at the sight of me. I turned my head away; I didn’t want him to see me this way—broken and afraid.

“I’ll be right along Richard. Would you give us a minute?” Marcus spoke coldly. He still hadn’t taken his eyes off me.

“Of course, Sir, I’ll be waiting outside.” Richard bowed and backed out of the room slowly, watching me as he went.

“Phoebe,” I shied away from Marcus as he reached out to touch me. He paused and lowered his hands “You’re . . .
afraid
of me.” He looked devastated. “After all this time . . . I’ve made you fear me.”

My eyes were downcast. It was true. Marcus was no longer just a man to me . . . he was a vampire, a monster, and my heart broke.

“Be well, My Lady. I hope that one day you will find it in you to understand that I only want to protect you.” He bowed his head. “I’ll have Richard see to it that you have everything you need. You will want for nothing. You . . . will always have my heart.” He turned toward the door.

My breath caught. He was leaving.
Marcus
was leaving. Memories, of a Marcus long ago flooded my mind: Memories of him heading off to battle, and Phoebe, unwilling to stop him. She knew his duty. She’d loved him for it. She loved him so much that she hid her pregnancy so he might have a clear head. I knew that now without question. She wasn’t reckless . . . she was proud. And she was strong enough to put his life before hers. She loved him as much as I did.

I held my stomach. I knew Marcus loved me. That was never a question. But the truth was Marcus scared me—more than I’d ever let myself admit.

Say something stupid! My mind was screaming inside my head. YOU’RE LOSING HIM! “Marcus!” The strength in my voice surprised me.

He paused with his hand on the doorknob. He did not turn around.

I could feel the tears falling from my face. My heart screamed loudly, aching for him. I loved him. Nothing else mattered right now. Not Damen or Aidric. Not Luther or the war outside. I loved Marcus with all of my heart and I couldn’t bear to be without him—ever. I wasn’t going to let him go without him hearing me say it once more. “I love you.”

He turned the knob and slowly opened the door. He moved through the doorway, his hand still holding the knob tightly.

“I’ll find you . . .” I called after him, “ . . . if not now, in another life. We’ll be together again.”

He hung his head.

“Marcus . . .”

He turned around. There was sadness and an indescribable fear that hung heavy in his eyes.

I tried to stand taller. With each passing moment, new life breathed into my broken body. “I love you,” I repeated.

He appeared in front of me an instant later, taking me up in his arms. I ignored the pain of it. His lips collided with mine, not bothering to take care of the blood that still lingered on them.

I could feel the instant spark that had always connected us. I pulled him closer, kissing him desperately, as if this would be the very last time our lips would touch; the very last time we might hold each other. He shared my desire and I suspected my fears as well—

Too soon he pulled back; his soft brown eyes looked adoringly into mine. A smile once again touched his eyes. I breathed in deeply, taking in his scent, burning it into my memory for all time.

He brought my lips to his once more, kissing them one last time before he turned and left the room—taking my heart with him.

“Excuse me Miss; I knocked . . .” Richard was standing beside me.

“Hum?” I didn’t turn to look at him. I was staring out the window, watching Marcus mount his horse.

“I’m sure he’ll be fine, Miss. Try not to worry.” By now, Richard had become pretty good at assessing my feelings, especially where Marcus was concerned.

“You are a sight Miss. Can I call a doctor for you?”

“There isn’t time.” My response was almost mechanical. I was so engrossed in watching Marcus; I couldn’t afford to pry my attention away from him for even a moment. My eyes drank in every detail. For all I knew, this might be the last time I saw him.

Raymose waved enthusiastically from a top his horse—the fool—he was excited to go. After the “little tussle” with Damen, he was more eager than ever to get his fangs into him. He bowed dramatically, turned his horse and dug in. He was out of sight in a matter of seconds.

Marcus stared long toward the window, his eyes locking with mine. He looked so solemn. I wanted to reach out to him and hold him, to tell him he didn’t have to go, but I knew he’d never shirk his duty. Honestly, I didn’t want him to. It was one of the qualities I admired most about him. It always had been, even when I was the other Phoebe. He nodded once, then turned his horse and cantered off.

My heart fell as panic engulfed me. His mind wasn’t focused. He was worried . . . about me! I saw it in his eyes.

“He’s in trouble Richard.” I stared after Marcus, gripping the windowsill, watching breathlessly as he disappeared into the trees.

“Yes, Miss.”

“You saw it too?” I turned to Richard. He didn’t need to answer; it was written all over his face.

It was just like last time . . . I’d had a feeling he’d needed me . . . only this time, I wasn’t going after him. This time I’d promised I’d go wherever Richard took me.

“I don’t wish to rush you, Miss, but time is of the essence. I have a change of clothing for you in the armoire.” Richard spoke hurriedly as he ushered me across the room. I opened the door and saw an outfit that did not belong to me.

“It’s yours, Miss. At least it was . . . once upon a time.” He smiled.

“I don’t understand?”

“It’s made of leather Miss. It should help withstand any teeth that may try to penetrate it.”

I gave him a confused look.

“You did promise to go only where I lead you . . . It just so happens we’re going in the same direction Mr. Marcus has gone.” A wry smile claimed him. “Should we happen to meet up with him . . .”

I threw my arms around Richard and kissed his cheek repeatedly.

“Yes, Miss, don’t thank me yet,” Richard warned. “You must understand that I am only one. I can only keep so many off you. You will have to look out for yourself.”

“Of course Richard, thank you.” I collected myself as best I could, wiping the tears from my face.

“Considering your present condition . . .” Richard began, “I’m not sure it’s a wise idea.”

“I’m fine Richard!” I forced my body to stand straight. If Richard had the nerve to take me into battle, then I was going to stand tall for him. I’d crumple into a heap and die later. Marcus needed me.

“Yes well, you’ll need to clean up as much of the blood as you can. We’ll be surrounded by an army of vampires as well, so it won’t do us any good to have you bleeding now would it?”

“I’ll clean up every drop,” I assured.

He frowned at my enthusiasm “There are some boots for you as well. I believe you are the same size?”

I picked the boots up, turning them slightly. They were in impeccable condition. I didn’t know how they could have possibly stood the test of time.

“I’ll have your sword fastened to your saddle. Rain is waiting at the south entrance as we speak; I’ll meet you downstairs shortly.” He moved to leave the room.

“Richard,” I called out after him.

“Yes, Miss?”

I stared at him for a moment, biting my lip. “Do you think he’ll be alright?”

“I truly hope so, Miss.” He shut the door quietly behind him.

I went to the bathroom and washed my body off as fast as I could. I bandaged every scrape I had, regardless of its severity.

The outfit Richard had provided for me was the same I’d worn in my dreams. I recognized it now. The pants were made of blackened leather, fairly snug, like the top—although surprisingly modest looking and light weight. The boots, a perfect fit, came just below the knee and very stylish, even by today’s standards. I looked at myself in a mirror. The old Phoebe smiled back at me. I was glad she was with me now. I’d need her strength tonight. “I can do this,” I told the both of us.

I moved down the stairs as quickly as I could. Richard was pacing anxiously in the entry.

“Well, Richard?” I asked as I turned around for him to inspect me.

“You are a vision, Miss. I was right; a perfect fit.” He smiled, obviously pleased with himself.

“Thank you, Richard, for everything.” I hugged him once again. I didn’t know if it would be the last opportunity I had, and I wanted to make the most of it.

“The pleasure has been mine, Miss. Shall we?” He motioned to the door.

I took a deep breath and followed him to the horses that were saddled and ready.

I rubbed Rain’s neck before I got on. His eyes were red tonight . . .

“Richard, I’ve always meant to ask Marcus, but Rain’s eyes—”

“Red? Yes I know. He’s immortal as well,” Richard said casually as he got onto his snowy white steed.

“But how?” I knew he was from the first time I’d rode him. He could sense a werewolf from far off. His speed was unlike any other horse I’d seen—he was faster than Marcus even! But to hear it out loud seemed more fanciful than Marcus admitting he was an actual vampire.

“It was an experiment. Luther infected him after Phoebe’s death to see what would happen. Rain was such a part of her; he wanted to keep him alive forever. You see Luther had given Rain as a gift to Phoebe when she was very young. Mr. Marcus has kept him ever since her death, forbidding to part with him.”

“Then, he’s a sort of vampire too?” I asked, not fully comprehending what I was being told.

“In a way. He drinks blood as well as water. He’s a fairly normal horse with just a few exceptions,” Richard explained.

“The others?” I motioned to the barn.

“They all are. Their speed is a great asset when hunting the wolves.”

I climbed onto Rain and adjusted myself in the saddle. I looked over at Richard, a question popping to mind.

“Richard . . . does it bother you that Marcus is a Moon Hunter?”

He regarded me carefully. “Lord Ashworth has served your father his whole existence. It’s all he knows. His life has been about revenge against those who stole his family from him. Aidric, Damen, it doesn’t matter who it was. Until they’re dead, he will know no peace.”

“You didn’t really answer my question, Richard.”

He smiled a crooked smile. “I do not fault him for hunting down those who brutally killed his family, Miss.” His expression was sincere. “Now remember, there will be werewolves as well as vampires. I will do my best to protect you, but you must be ready to fight whoever attacks you. That
may
include your father.” He raised his eyebrows slightly.

Luther. I nodded my head in understanding. The thought of having to fight my own father left a sickening feeling in my stomach.

“And who will you be fighting Richard?” I regarded
him
carefully. Just what side would
he
take?

“I will be fighting anything that tries to harm you Miss.” He bowed his head.

“Sarah is a lucky girl Richard. I hope she knows that.” A rare shade of blush colored his cheeks. “And so is Lord Ashworth, Miss; although I suspect he knows this.”

Now it was my turn to blush.

Richard cleared his throat. “Mr. Marcus will be furious when he sees you. He’ll want to protect you. You must hold your own. He can’t afford to let his guard down. There will be too many of them to count.”

“I understand Richard; I won’t be a burden.”

I followed Richard in silence. The air was cool and misty. A low fog had already settled in. It would be another dreary day that approached . . . if we lived to see it.

We rode quickly through the woods. This was a trail I’d not been on before. The trees didn’t grow so close together here. It was easy for the moon to stretch her light all the way to the forest floor. It had dropped slightly, but it was full none-the-less. The sky was eerie tonight. Some might say it was a perfect night for werewolves . . .

Aside from our horses’ hooves moving across the ground, all had been quiet—except for now—a low roar rose above the silence.

The horses’ ears twitched as they moved swiftly through the trees. They didn’t need direction. They led us to a steep embankment where they stopped abruptly, rearing up on their hind legs. They neighed loudly, hot air escaping their nostrils. I held onto the reins as I peered over the edge with caution. I could almost feel the heat from the torches burning below us. Their bright glow lit the horror we were about to intrude upon.

There had to be hundreds and hundreds of them! It looked like a scene from a movie, a medieval battlefield: men on horseback with torches and swords, slaying one another. Only these men were fighting werewolves, and they weren’t men themselves—they were vampires.

The once low roar from below that carried lightly through the night was growing louder. The growling and snarling and high pitched yelping echoed around us.

“Miss?”

I let out a breath of air I didn’t know I was holding. “Richard, my name is Phoebe. If we’re going down there . . .” the words caught in my throat, “ . . . it’s time you called me Phoebe.”

“Yes, Miss Phoebe.”

I rolled my eyes at him and smiled in spite of myself.

A soft glow was coming from the east. Dawn was approaching. My eyes searched tirelessly for Marcus, desperate for a glimpse of him. I had to see that he was all right. My eyes settled on an unexpected sight: Luther. I recognized him at once.

He looked at me in disbelief—as if his eyes were playing tricks on him. His stare was penetrating. Even from this distance, his eyes were the bluest I’d ever beheld. He was extremely handsome sitting tall on his horse. He looked almost regal, like a king. His figure was broad and muscular. His face, that looked so stern when we first locked eyes, was softer now. I couldn’t help but smile as I bowed my head instinctively.

His mouth dropped open a little. There was no question now—I was real to him.

I slipped off Rain’s back and gave him a little nudge. “Go on boy . . . run.” He stood there, staring at me. I could swear he thought I was crazy. “Go on Rain . . . save yourself!” I smacked him hard on the rear. He neighed loudly and bolted back toward the castle. I stared after him, wishing I were riding away with him . . .

“Ready Miss?” Richard gave me one last questioning look before he slid down the embankment. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and stepped off—