Rule (12 page)

“Open your eyes.”

Hesitantly I lowered the other, stiffening as I realized I was in a bedroom. A very nice, elegant one. A form was hidden under the blankets and I glanced up at him before turning back to it.

“Who is that? Where am I?”

My voice had the body stirring.

“Why don’t you go see for yourself?”

His hand dropped and my feet felt heavy as I edged around the side of the bed. A small hand peeking from the top of the covers had me slowing. I swallowed hard, reaching forward and gently tugging back the comforter. Dark hair followed the length of the forearm that was resting on it and I gasped, moving it down further.

“Oh … God.” Heavy pants left me. I already knew and yet I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“She was dead when they finally got her to me. I brought her back to life. You could have her again. Your vampire could win her over. The power will be like an aphrodisiac to her. With the love you both once shared, it will lure her in like candy to a baby. She’ll love you and only you. Marko will be nothing but a name of the past.”

The covers dropped below her chin as I stared in awe. How had I forgotten her beauty? Asleep, she almost looked like the old Tessa. There was a healthier glow to her now. More so than the last time I’d seen her. She was so pale, then. So…

Flashes came back of her holding my uncle’s head. Bragging about what she’d done. I stumbled back, shaking my head. If Tessa was alive, then she
had
been the one who had come to me. She’d tried to get me to kill myself again
. Evil.

“I don’t want this. Take me back or I’ll find my own way.”

My voice had Tessa flying to a sitting position. Her eyes scanned the room, right past me as if she didn’t see me standing there.

“Aetas?” She rose, still staring around the room. “I know you’re here, I can feel you. What did I say? Get out! You can’t be spying on me. I thought we already talked about this.”

The younger vampire’s eyebrow rose as he looked at me. “I said I wasn’t leaving you a choice. You killed one my of my members and you’re going to replace him. You’re going to continue his line with Tessa.”

“Like hell I am,” I yelled. “You’ll have to kill me first. Or ... perhaps I’ll help take care of it for you.” I grabbed the knife, stabbing it through my chest before he could make it to me. The pain had me crumbling to the ground, and then through it as I was snapped back into my body so fast that I woke up on the ground of the field, gasping. My hands shot to my chest, devoid of any injury. “Jesus,” I cried out, scrambling to my feet. As I scanned the area, I didn’t wait to see if anyone would make themselves known. I put everything I had into running and didn’t stop until I burst through Johnson’s front door.

Delusion. Hallucination. I didn’t think so. It was too real. Too … frightening. And I couldn’t allow it to happen. If Aetas had plans for me to come to their side, he had another thing coming. I’d kill him or myself first. Either way, it wasn’t a bad thing.

Chapter 18

Tessa

I couldn’t stop fuming as Aetas appeared at the foot of my bed with a smile on his face. He looked as though he knew something I didn’t. As if he had a secret. It pissed me off even more. We had left on bad terms the night before after his little lesson on reading minds had turned into him twisting mine. Again. He was suddenly on me, trying to get me to willingly kiss him. I couldn’t stand another moment of being close to him. He was getting scarier. Meaner. Regardless that I knew how bad this was turning out, I couldn’t back down from him. If I did, he’d walk all over me. He’d try to make me break my bonds to Marko and I wasn’t willing to risk it. To him this may have been a game, but this was my life. My future.

“You said you would knock.”

“I forgot,” he said, blandly. “Time to get up. You have lessons to learn.”

Was it nighttime already? I dreaded having to wake. At least when I was asleep, I could go to Marko. I wasn’t strong enough to wake him or get him to hear me, but I could be at my old home. There was a comfort in that.

“Can I at least get dressed?”

“By all means,” he said, gesturing to the closet. “No one is stopping you.”

My eyes closed in annoyance as I tried to ground myself. I walked over, grabbing the first dress I came into contact with—a dark blue velvet one with long sleeves. When I headed for the bathroom door, the knob locked just as I went to turn it. I threw him a glare and it went loose in my palm.

“Hurry, I have meetings in a few hours and I want to get to this as soon as possible.”

I didn’t answer as I shut myself in. As I went through my morning ritual, I couldn’t help but stretch out the time as much as I could. A sickening feeling was making me hesitant. When I opened the door, Gina was walking away from Aetas. She slipped out of the door, quietly shutting it behind her.

“About time. What the hell were you doing in there?”

“Getting dressed.” I kept my voice low, watching his every move as he began circle around.

“To lead you will have to know how to deal with situations that may at first appear to be beyond your control. You’ll have to look out for our kind, but not above what is best for the outside world.” He stopped just behind me. I turned, not able to stand that I couldn’t see him. I didn’t trust him at my back. Apparently, that was the point. Aetas spun me back around to stare at the wall.

A few seconds went by and my skin prickled at the goosebumps that raced over my limbs. My breathing became heavier as defensiveness sank in.

“Do you agree that our race is in need of a true leader? One who can separate himself from the corruption within?”

My head cocked to the side.

“Yes.”

“Do you think that is you?”

I licked my lips, assessing his question. Every scenario possible entered my mind and I knew the truth. “Yes. I will not balk under pressure. I will do what is right. What is best for our kind.”

“I don’t think that’s true,” he whispered just behind my ear. “I think if your precious Marko decides he wants to rule, you will let him. He could lead us to destruction. He could be the death of us and I believe you’d let him.”

I spun around, narrowing my eyes. We were but inches away from each other.

“You’re wrong. I know what this responsibility includes and I know Marko. He’s an amazing leader. He takes his duties very seriously and the last thing he would do is put any of us in jeopardy. But I would not forget who leads. He may be by my side, but it is I who rules.
Me
.”

The hard lines in Aetas’ face eased and he shrugged, stepping back. “Perhaps you could if something were to ever happen to me. Then again, maybe I have other plans.”

“Other plans? What do you mean?”

My leader turned his back on me and walked over toward the covered windows. “In time it will be revealed.”

I followed behind, my jaw tightening as I got closer. I didn’t like this sound of this. Something wasn’t sitting right with how he was acting. The vibe he was projecting left me antsy.

“Are you saying there’s someone you think will be a stronger leader than I will? I assure you that’s not possible.”

He slowly turned. “One thing you will come to learn is that nothing is as it appears. Vampires grow more powerful by the century. You may not be qualified for the position when your time comes.”

“You’re wrong. I will grow as they do. Nothing will stop me from standing where you are someday. I was meant for this. There has been nothing clearer to me. From my rebirth I’ve known this.”

“We all do,” he ground out. “Every single vampire feels entitled to my throne. Every one. Your blood makes you the exception.”

“Exactly. So then who would be better suited, than me? I’m the last.”

“Are you?” He stepped closer, staring into my eyes. I quickly averted my gaze to the black button-up shirt covering his chest. My mind raced as I tried to figure out the puzzle he was weaving around me.

Movement stopped just before me and I braved a quick look up.

“Do you think you’ll always love Marko? Do you think time will not come between the two of you? Things happen. New vampires come to join us.”

There wasn’t hesitation as my head shook. “My love for Marko will not be broken. Not by time, distance, or someone new.”

“What about Marko? Do you not worry another’s blood will appeal more than yours?”

“He loves me,” I said, angrily. “Is this one of my tests or do you have a point in asking these questions? They’re meaningless.”

“Perhaps not. Your
test
might prove that. I’m going to give you a glimpse of something you never considered.
Temptation.
Do you think you’ll be able to resist? I’m not so sure you can.”

I clenched my teeth together. The need to argue was there, but I kept in the worst. “You’re wasting your time with these games. Teach me something else. Show me how to travel like I did when my vampire took me over. I’ve tried continuously and I can’t do it again. I want to learn that.” I couldn’t do it because he stole my knowledge. I wanted it back. I longed to find Hunter again. To make him pay for what he’d done.

“You learn what I teach you. Everything is a lesson. Until you see that, you’ll remain.”

My internal groan didn’t escape his notice. His eyebrow rose and I stood straighter, trying to ignore the disapproving look. Aetas was growing tired of my personality. We were clashing left and right and it was only a matter of time before he showed his true colors at all times. With the glimpses I’d seen already, I was hoping to escape here before that happened.

“Let’s take a seat.” He gestured to two chairs angled toward each other on the far side of the room. I walked over, watching as he pulled the chair to the middle of the floor, facing forward. “Now put yours in front of mine. This will be fun.”

I doubted it, but I obeyed, moving the chair to rest a good two feet from his. He quickly pulled it closer and sat down, gesturing for me to follow. Reluctance had me moving at a slow speed. When I lowered to the chair, he immediately grabbed my hands, pushing our knees together.

“Sit straight, but let your mind relax. You’re going to looking into my eyes and we’ll go from there.”

Right. I knew where this was headed. Temptation, he’d said. Nervousness rushed through, but I focused on the grip of his fingers over my palms. My stare rose … and darkness was all I knew. Colors swirled, warping my thoughts—my mind. Suddenly, I knew nothing but who I was and that I was in some strange large room. It reminded me of a place I’d been to before, but different. Large amounts of people were gathered, sitting at tables and feeding. If it weren’t for the assurance of myself, I would have felt awkward.

Heads turned in my direction as I left the darkness at the edge of the room and headed toward a table that sat further away from the rest. Something within me said I belonged there. The wide back of a vampire broadened, and leisurely, he turned, coming to stand as I approached. The shock of seeing his handsome face brought me to a standstill as we stared. Both of us seemed … close, and yet not. I’d never seen this man before that I could recall. Yet, it was like I’d known him forever. And I was conflicted on how to feel. I was lured in by his large body and handsome, rugged looks, but there was a nagging at the back of my mind that I couldn’t put my finger on.

“Princess. Please, come join us.”

A chair was available to his left side and I managed to get myself to move forward, despite that I couldn’t break my gaze for long. I was intrigued. Almost hypnotized by how his aura called to me.

“We haven’t officially met, but I feel as though we have.” He paused as I came to the chair, extending his hand. The touch of the contact as my fingers slid over his had my pulse accelerating. His eyes cut up from where he was staring at our joined grip and I knew he could hear my heartbeat. A wickedness flashed behind his gaze … hot, red lust. It left my emotions deadening to everything but what my body responded too.
Him
.

“I’m Master Moretti, but you can call me Hunter. I’ve looked forward to this day for quite some time. They didn’t lie about your beauty.”

Heat flashed over my skin.
Hunter. Hunter.
Did I know that name?

The combination of appeal and confusion left me speechless. As he led my hand to his mouth, everything vanished but us. Full lips pushed into my knuckles, only for him to turn my wrist to face up so he could connect there, too. Yes … I was so hot. So … drawn to this vampire.

In a small tug, he drew me in close, lowering to the side of my face. I was positively trembling at his nearness. He was powerful.
More than me
.

“I can’t wait to taste you, Tessa. I can’t wait to make you mine.”

I blinked through the words and was able to withdraw from the spell I was under. “No,” I whispered, stepping back. My head turned and I took in the strange faces who watched us. I didn’t know these people. I didn’t belong here. This wasn’t right. “No,” I repeated, louder. “I … don’t know you. I…” I spun, taking in the walls. Taking in the seating arrangements. It was all too familiar. But, not.

My feet stumbled back even more and the urge to run was there. A voice rang out in the background causing me to jump and I turned to the far end of the room. A group of people emerged and my heart thudded faster as a couple emerged, surrounded by what looked to me like high ranking people. A man with dark hair walked with purpose. Power. He was flanked by a woman who I swear I knew.

“Master Delacroix, so nice of you to join us on our bonding day.” Hunter may have tried to sound welcoming, but the malice in his tone didn’t escape me. He walked forward to meet the Master—the man whose stare left me feeling desperate—and shook his hand, bringing his gaze to the woman. “Your concubine grows more beautiful by the year. Marie,” he said, bringing her hand up to his lips. “It’s a pleasure for the two of you to join us.”

My head shook as I stared between the two of them. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t happening.

Master Delacroix’s stare never left me as he came to stand a few feet away. There was a hardness in his expression. A … hatred. Was it for me or the situation?

“Princess Tessalyn.” His head bowed the smallest amount and I felt my lips separate as I took another step back.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you at last,” Marie said, joining his side. “We’ve heard so much about you. It’s like I already know you. I think we’ll all become very great friends.”

My eyes darted to Hunter who had a warm smile on his face. As he rounded the two and came to my side, I wasn’t sure what to do. Where did I go? I didn’t want to be here.

“Please excuse my future concubine.” Hunter placed his arm over my shoulders. “I’m afraid she’s still adjusting to her new environment. It has to be hard going from a place like Axis, to the underground. Headquarters is all she’s ever known. The difference will probably take some getting used to.”

The excuse sounded not at all believable, but was it? What was Axis? Is that where I had been?

“Completely understandable,” Master Delacroix said, eyeing me warily. “From what I hear, she was mostly kept in solitude. The shock of so many people must be quite straining.”

“Yes,” Marie agreed. “Princess, would you like me to take you to your room? If that’s alright,” she said, looking at Hunter. “Maybe she could use a friend? Another woman?” Her voice drew the Master’s attention. He leaned in, kissing her head and pulling her in closer to him. The sight nearly took my breath away. It had my claws coming out and my fangs pushing into my bottom lips. Anger swirled and I felt my control slip.

Fingers gripped tighter on my bicep and I glanced up at Hunter’s curious expression.
That face
… I loved it as much as I hated it. The odd sensation left the rage building. The more they looked at me, the more I felt the need to retaliate. None of this was right. My vampire felt threatened and even though I wasn’t sure why, I didn’t care. The need to attack Master Delacroix was there as much as I felt compelled to destroy the one I was meant for.

“Let go of me,” I hissed, pulling away from Hunter. “You all just stay away.”