Mortal Defiance (25 page)

The door behind Paden slammed open and flames crawled in along the ceiling. Michael barreled through the opening, one side of his face a charred mess. Ree froze as her nightmare happened before her eyes. Paden turned to engage the smoking Dark One, his fangs out and his face livid. Michael hit Paden in the gut with a beefy fist before managing to kick the sword out of the Guardian’s hand. Grabbing Michael with both hands, Paden picked up the Dark One and shoved him into the wall. Ree watched as a blond head rose out of the flames and raised a shortsword. It descended with frightening speed and Ree darted across the room and barreled into the attacker. The Dark One flew into the hallway and landed against a wall of flames. In less time than it took for Ree to reach him, the Dark One was nothing but ashes fueling the angry flames.

“Ree!” Paden hauled her back into the doorway and ran for the window. He leapt headfirst, tucking Ree against his chest and twisting in midair. He landed on the balls of his feet, using his momentum to leave the burning store far behind them.

Chapter 38

The porch light was on when they got to Melanie’s house. Ellie was sitting on the front porch, holding a braided rope of grass as if that was all she would need to protect herself. Ree could smell the herbs burning in small pots on the front porch all the way out on the street. Bryce was sitting on the steps a few feet below Melanie’s grandmother and jumped up as soon as he saw their group.

Running down the short walkway, he stopped just at the edge of their yard and looked over his shoulder for Ellie. She walked down the steps quickly and rubbed her toe across the ground. Ree squinted and realized there was a line of salt encircling the property. As soon as Ellie had broken the line, Bryce had Juliette in his arms. He pressed his face into the side of her neck and Ree could hear them murmuring to each other. She walked past them and hugged Ellie.

“Sorry to show up with trouble on our heels.”

“That’s why we stayed, my girl. C’mon. Melanie and your Dark One are inside. He isn’t in the best of shape. Apparently he decided to take on a gang of Dark Ones by himself.” Ellie took Ree by the arm and walked with her up the stairs. “Weylin, can you stay out here with Bryce and Juliette? We need to walk a perimeter and I’ll be out soon to redo the salt circle.”

Weylin nodded and set off at a quick pace to circle the house. Juliette threw herself on the porch, while Bryce headed in the opposite direction of Weylin. Paden walked behind Ellie and Ree, his apprehension only a little lessened. Once they were inside the house, Ree was hit with a wave of anxiety and pain. Roland was leaning against the fireplace, blood dripped from a wound on his side, and there was a cut under his eye. He looked up as Ree entered the sitting room and his anxiety disappeared. Crossing the room in three quick strides, he grabbed her and pulled her to his chest.

“Thank the gods.”

“I wouldn’t thank them.” Paden moved so that he was closer to Ree. She could feel his worry intensify as Roland nuzzled her neck gently. Thinking it was an odd reaction to Roland’s zealous welcome, Ree looked over her shoulder at Paden. His hands were fisted by his side, and his jaw worked angrily.

“Roland.” Paden’s voice was strangely calm. He kept his eyes locked with Ree and she could tell he was trying to not frighten her.

“Mmhmm.” Roland didn’t look up, his mouth grazed Ree’s ear and she shivered. He froze and growled against Ree’s neck. Pulling her closer, Ree felt every inch of his body press against her and a heady sensation enveloped her senses. Her breathing picked up and she closed her eyes. Licking her lips, Ree tried to clear her head and ignore how Roland’s body felt.

“Roland. You need to feed.”

“Yes.” He pressed closer to her and ran a hand up and down her spine.

“No, Roland. She’s already given blood today.” Paden didn’t come any closer and Ree realized somewhere in the foggy depths of her mind that he didn’t want to startle Roland. He was worried the Dark One would hurt her.

“I know. I… can’t.” Roland said it as if he was trying to convince himself, but his hand continued its agonizing trail over her back.

“Roland, you need to get hold of your pheromones.” Ree said the words in a breathy whisper and she took a shaky breath.

“I haven’t wanted anything in a long time, more than I want to taste you.” Roland’s voice was deep and rough and Ree shivered in fear and lust.

Turning her head, Ree looked at Paden. He wore a stoic expression, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. She knew that seeing her react to Roland was painful for him, and the last thing she wanted to do was to cause him hurt. Without taking her eyes from Paden she fought the pheromones. “No, Roland. I can’t do this.”

Roland’s hand froze on the small of her back and she could feel the instant rejection soaring through his mind. With jerky movements, he let her go and stumbled back against the wall. He ran a hand over his face and shuddered. “I’m sorry, Ree.”

“Oh, for the love of God.” With a quick movement, Melanie lifted her wrist to her mouth and sank her fangs into her own skin. There was a sound similar to biting into an apple and then the smell of blood filled the air. Melanie shoved her wrist in front of Roland. Ree took a shaky step out of the way and bumped into Paden’s chest. Roland looked at Melanie for a moment, his face shocked.

“You’re willing to do this for me?” His voice held an uncertain quality and Ree could feel him turning the idea over in head.

“Just keep your pheromones to yourself, okay?” Melanie looked at Roland sternly. Nodding slowly, he took her wrist in his hands and brought it to his mouth. Ree could feel his reluctance to bite anyone in their group. He was worried it would destroy the trust he had built, but he also desperately needed it and the Guardians would heal.

Paden lifted Ree off her feet and ran toward the back of the house. Yanking open the door with one hand, he didn’t bother with the steps and jumped to the ground. Taking them toward the little cottage in the back, he put her down in the shadows near the large oak tree. He didn’t stay with her, but instead started pacing. He ran a hand through his hair and muttered under his breath. Ree thought he had finally decided everything with her had been a fluke. She couldn’t blame him for wanting to be done with whatever was floating between them. She couldn’t fight what she felt for Roland and it wasn’t fair to Paden. Tears gathered in her eyes, but she swallowed to try and keep them from falling.

Everything that had happened in the last week stemmed from Ree and her destiny. Sophie and Teagan were dead and Ree’s family and her friends’ families were on the run. It was her fault she hadn’t been sterner with Roland. It was her fault she felt something for the Dark One. It didn’t matter if it stemmed from another life. How could anyone stand to be around her after all of that? The thought of having messed up things with Paden left her breathless, as if a sinkhole had developed in her chest. He turned to look at her and she bit her lip, waiting for the boot to drop.

“Ree.” He walked toward her slowly.

“I’m sorry, Paden. I’m so sorry. All of this is my fault.”

He looked at her and frowned. “Ree. You don’t need to be sorry. It’s not your fault he needed to feed. He feels… strongly about you and that increases his desire to drink from you. That isn’t your fault.”

“It is, because I can’t just push him away. I… remember how Tria felt about him. It muddies the waters.” Ree laid it on the table, not wanting to keep it from Paden.

“Is it just how Tria feels about him?” Paden looked at Ree with a sad expression.

“I don’t know, Pay.” Biting her lip, Ree didn’t look away from him.

Paden closed his eyes and his hands opened and closed by his legs. After a moment, he looked back up at Ree and there was a fierce light in his eyes.

“I love you.” His voice was fierce and Ree could feel the sincerity under the words. “I don’t care who you were in another life. You’re mine now and always will be. I’ve always known it. That’s why I had to fight it so hard.” He reached out and grabbed Ree’s hand, pulling her against his chest. “You were made for me and I was made for you. I feel like I’ve known you for a thousand years. That I’ve woken up with you a thousand mornings and I know exactly what your smile will look like as you open your eyes. There’s no denying it, Ree. Not anymore, and I’m not trying.”

His hands tightened on her back and pressed Ree against him even harder. His mouth scorched hers as he showed her the truth behind his words. She fisted her hands in his hair, not caring if she hurt him, and returned his kiss hungrily. Picking her up, he pressed her back against the cottage, his hand sliding down to cup her bottom. She wrapped her legs around his waist and moaned when he pressed closer to her. His fangs descended and she could feel them scrape her lip and tongue as he kissed her senseless. He pulled back to trail kisses down her neck, and she shivered when he lingered over the artery running below her ear. Growling when she shivered with pleasure, he brought his mouth back to hers and pressed closer. His hands squeezed gently, moving her closer to the center of his body.

Lost in the moment, Ree didn’t realize the stones from the gravel path were rising into the air, or that the window beside them had started to rattle. The taste and smell of Paden had invaded her senses. It was different from what happened when Roland lost control of his pheromones; it was stronger, thicker, and she would happily drown in it. Something bumped against the side of her head, distracting her. Opening her eyes for just a moment, she let loose a muffled scream.

Paden dropped her and whirled around, just in time to see a garden gnome landing on his foot, followed by a thousand tiny rocks falling back to the ground. He looked at the gnome for a moment and then turned back to Ree with a grin. Covering her mouth, Ree couldn’t help the giggle that escaped.

“Hm. That could be a problem.” Paden placed an arm on either side of her so she was trapped against the wall. He leaned down to nuzzle her hair. “But I have to admit, I like the fact that I can make you lose control.”

“Looks like I’m not the only one.” She gently tapped his mouth with her finger, indicating his extended teeth. Pushing him back so Ree could see his eyes clearly, she smiled at him. “I love you, Paden O’Reilly.”

A smile curled his lips as leaned down and tenderly kissed her.

“Hey! Lovebirds! You’re going to want to see this.” Weylin stuck his head out the door and motioned that they should come inside. He looked at them curiously and then around the yard. “I didn’t know Melanie’s mom was redoing the back yard.”

Paden grabbed Ree’s hand and they chuckled as they ran back to the house. Inside, everyone was seated around the television in the den. The news was on and there was a picture of Ree’s home and Sophie’s shop.

“Two bodies have been found amongst the remains of the fire downtown. The police are still searching for the owners of the house you see on the screen.” The broadcaster looked into the camera with a serious expression. “These students are wanted in connection to the fire and destruction.” Ree’s school picture was flashed on the screen, along with all of her Guardians. There was a snapshot of Roland someone must’ve taken with a camera phone. “If you see any of these teenagers, please contact the police immediately. Our source says that they’re likely to stay in town. If you have any information on the disappearances or the fires, you can call our Crime Hotline.”

Ree sat down on the sofa and stared at the screen. Underneath all of their pictures were little labels that said ‘wanted’ and the Crime Hotline flashed in large white numbers.

“Oh, geez. I’m a wanted criminal.” Weylin blew out a frustrated breath and leaned his head against the sofa. Melanie’s mother made an upset sound from under her breath and got up to go ready rooms for everyone.

A knock sounded on the door and everyone froze. Ellie looked at Ree worriedly. No one should have been able to get to the house. Ellie had replaced her wards and even humans would have felt themselves compelled to leave the house alone. Whoever was waiting on the porch was not human. Ree stood up and walked toward the door. Paden darted in front of her, while the others ranged around the room in preparation. Ree pulled the power into herself and was amazed at the amount she was able to hold. Looking around the room to make sure everyone was ready, Paden carefully unlocked the door and swung it open. Ree sucked in a deep breath when she saw the three women standing on the porch.

“Alastriana, it’s time we talk.” Brigid smiled sadly at Ree and her friends. Behind the Celtic goddess was a beautiful woman wearing an owl broach pinned to her blue sweater, and Hecate, her silver hair shinning in the moonlight.

Stay tuned for the conclusion of the Dark Betrayal Trilogy

Coming March 2012