“Fine. I’ll teach you to fight but you will not engage our enemy until I am sure you are ready.”
“Thank you.” She hugged him tighter.
“You can show me your thanks in another way.”
He entered her tight heat again. She moaned as he took her, forcefully, passionately. He was such a good lover and partner. Her heart squeezed as he made love to her again. She loved this man with every part of her—heart, mind, body and soul.
* * * * *
“How the hell did she get away?” Caiaphas bellowed as a killing rage consumed him. He entered the cell and inhaled deeply. “How dare they come to my lair and steal from me.” He charged the Rogue who was responsible for guarding the prisoner and snapped his neck like a twig.
“Calm, brother, you’ll have your revenge.” Lucia entered the dungeon.
“You know nothing of my struggles with the Order or their Hunters.” He clenched his fists.
“There are more ways to skin a cat than just one.” She raised an eyebrow.
“I’m assuming you have a plan.”
“What? You mean to tell me you didn’t realize Harris would betray you the first chance he got?”
“He gave me a blood oath.”
“Please, his mate’s life was in danger. He’d already traded sides once. There’s no amount of loyalty that would prevent him from saving her. He must’ve sensed you’d harm the girl. Maybe beating her in front of him wasn’t such a good idea.” She gave him a mischievous wink.
“Quit gloating. I didn’t believe Harris was stupid enough to cross me—is that what you want to hear?”
“You took his mate. Of course he would cross you.” She rolled her eyes at him.
“Why didn’t you see this coming? I am beginning to wonder if your plan is to help me or thwart my attempts again.”
“Oh please, I’m not helping them. It was a last-minute decision. I wasn’t searching for it. No matter, I’ve connected to Marley. Her thoughts have been difficult to access but she’s in a weakened state and I found a way in. You’ll have your revenge and so will I.” She waved him away dismissively.
“I’m gathering my forces. These games of yours have cost me valuable time. Voss will die and so will the rest of those who belong to the Order. I’m out of here.”
“What about his brother Christian or have you forgotten about him? There are more obstacles than you considered. Besides, Dane’s not stupid, dear brother, you’ll not gain access to his company while Christian still lives.”
“There are more events in play than even you realize. I’m going to take out all of them, don’t worry, and I’ll do it with or without your help.”
“In due time, unless you keep underestimating the enemy as it seems you’ve done quite frequently as of late. I’ll help you get back on track.” Lucia closed her eyes and concentrated on Marley as she waited for Harris to finally change her. “How delicious, she has agreed to allow Harris to transform her. Mm…I do so love watching a budding romance unfold.” She clapped.
“I’m going to feed,” Caiaphas said dryly, disgust heavy in his tone.
“You go right ahead while I watch the festivities. Marley’s going to become my puppet. Sadly, she doesn’t know it yet.” Lucia took a seat on the couch.
She would take over this one and no one would be alerted to her invasion. It had to work this time. Her rival was going to die. How perfect it would be to use Jenny’s best friend to do the evil deed.
Lucia smiled to herself, her inhalations becoming heavier as she watched the two lovers consummate their relationship. Harris was easy on the eyes for a male. But he couldn’t compare to Dane. No one could.
Dane Voss was perfection in every way. She would have him again. She had to. Her eyes popped open and she surveyed the room. A female stood in front of her, shaking.
“Here, eat up.” Caiaphas pushed the girl forward. The girl yelped when Lucia caught her by the wrist.
“Are you afraid of me?” she asked the frightened girl.
“Yes.” Her word was barely audible.
“Why? Death is not painful.” Of course it was painful.
“Please don’t kill me,” the girl yelped.
“What would you give me if I spared your miserable life?”
“Anything.”
“You’d give me your loyalty?”
The girl nodded anxiously.
“Humans are such easy creatures to manipulate.” She circled the frightened human. The girl was young, maybe in her early twenties.
“Please, I’ll do anything you ask. I-I have money.”
“Do you honestly believe that matters to someone like me? I’m sure that’s probably what got you in this messy spot, isn’t it? You wanted a little danger and now that you’ve gotten more than you’ve bargained for, you want to buy your way out. How intriguing. You’ll do as I say because if you don’t pain will become your new companion. What do you think, brother? Shall I spare her life?” She raised an eyebrow at him.
“Stop playing with your food. Isn’t that what you always tell me?” he replied. A female was once again draped across his lap, writhing from the sexual way he drained the life force from her.
“Well, well, brother. She seems to enjoy the way you play with your food.” She snickered.
“I enjoy it too.” He released her neck. “This one happens to turn me on so I’ve decided to give her an orgasm while I take her life.” He spread her legs and bit into her tender flesh. The female moaned, her back bowing as she trembled with each tug on her pussy. “Mm…” he groaned, sucking deeply.
“See, it’s not so bad when he takes you. Your friend seems to be enjoying it immensely.” She studied the trembling female standing before her. “I’m sorry. I’m not interested in pleasuring you while you die. However, I’m sure we can come to an understanding. I’ll take only enough to sate me. In return, you’ll belong to me. Are we clear?”
The girl nodded, shaking with fear. Lucia seized her and bit into the column of her neck. The girl’s legs buckled but Lucia easily held her weight. A minute later she released the terrified girl, who collapsed on the ground as she clutched her neck and curled up into a ball.
“W-What’s going to happen to me?” she asked.
“You’ll eventually become what I am.” Lucia shrugged, stepping over her. “It’s not a pleasant transition, especially for a female. My suggestion to you is to find a male to fuck you, or I can assure you, you’ll wish you had.”
“No…” The girl winced.
“It’s your choice. I’ll be back later to collect you. There is no need for me to stay around for the festivities. I have other things I need to do. Maybe if you are nice to the male on the couch over there, he will service your needs by finishing the process,” she said dismissively.
“Don’t drag me into your little creation scheme. I want no part in it.” He pushed the lifeless female he had finished draining to the floor. “Besides, I’m still hungry. I could finish you off if you’d like?” His eyes traveled over the girl’s slender frame suggestively.
“You are not to harm her. Are we clear?”
“Crystal,” he replied dryly.
“Wait!” The girl flinched when he reached for her.
“What’s wrong—you don’t like it rough? Sorry, I’m not the gentle type.”
“Please don’t make me go with him…” She recoiled.
“Stop sniveling, girl, begging won’t help you. I’m immune to it.”
“Don’t leave me with him.” The girl reached for Lucia.
“I
will
leave you with him. Don’t worry. Beyond getting fucked, you’re safe.” She gave Caiaphas a warning glance. She had always been able to control her brother. She wasn’t sure why. He seemed to have a soft spot for her or maybe it was the fact that she was his only living family now. What did it matter? He was to her what she was to him, the last link to the shred of humanity left in them and nothing more.
“I have no interest in her for food, Lucia. But you’re right about my other needs.” He dragged the girl against him.
“Let go.” She fought back.
“Don’t fight, you’ll regret it if you do. Are we clear?” He dipped his head forward and revealed razor-sharp fangs.
“I-I’ll listen to you.”
“Take this female to my room and tie her to the bed.” He gestured to one of his vampire guards. The girl began to struggle when the Rogue tried to remove her from the room. Caiaphas seized her chin in his powerful grip. “I told you not to fight me. Did I not make myself clear enough?”
“You did.” She nodded
“They wouldn’t dare lay a finger on you. My servants know better. Take her away.”
Jenny wandered down to the kitchen and found Ivanna preparing breakfast. She knew her friend was still upset with her over yesterday’s events. Not that she blamed her. She wanted to clear the air between them. Dane had gone on patrol with Dmitri and Marley was still asleep. Now seemed like the perfect time for them to talk.
“Is there something you need? I’m busy.”
“I wanted to apologize for yesterday. I didn’t mean to…”
“Are you apologizing for putting your mate’s life in danger or because you tricked me?”
“Both.”
“You know nothing of the life you’ve entered. Our world is dangerous and you take off with a complete stranger. I am very disappointed in you.” She regarded Jenny with an angry glare.
“I didn’t mean to upset anyone. I was worried about Dane and you wouldn’t let me leave. And Marley’s my friend. I—”
“You have no regard for others, only yourself.”
“That’s not true. I do have regard for others. Marley is my best friend. I would have done the same thing for you if you were in trouble.”
“I believe you and it’s the only reason we’re speaking now. However, you need to realize the danger. You risk much and trust no one.” It was apparent Ivanna wasn’t pleased.
“I do trust you.”
“No, you don’t. I asked you to stay with me and you took off when I turned my back. That is not trust.”
“I was worried about him. I…” She trailed off, recognizing it didn’t matter now.
“That’s no excuse. You are reckless and immature. It is going to get someone killed.”
“I’m sorry.” How could Ivanna possibly understand when she hadn’t lived through Jenny’s experiences? Marley was her lifeline and someone she could trust without question. People like that were hard to find in this world. She couldn’t abandon her and wouldn’t have, no matter the cost. It made her sad that she was being judged for showing loyalty to someone she cared about.
“Do you have any idea what it would have done to Dane if you were captured by Rogues, or worse, killed? He was beside himself.”
“I didn’t consider it from that perspective.” She bit her lip and fought back tears.
“Your mate must come first, above your commitments to others. Dane has to be your priority. Otherwise you will put his life in unnecessary danger as he tries to protect you from yourself.”
“I already promised him I wouldn’t do it again.”
“What if someone else comes along who you believe takes precedence over his word? What will your choice be then, huh?”
“You make it sound like I have no respect for him.”
Maybe she’s right. What if?
“It remains to be seen if you will follow through on that promise.” A low rumble escaped her chest.
“I’ll keep my promise.” But even she doubted her own words.
“Let’s hope so, because I’ll not risk my husband or my pack if you continue to be reckless. I fear for Dmitri and the rest of the men as I fear for you.”
“It won’t happen again.” She hadn’t thought past saving her friend’s life or the ramifications of being captured and how that would affect Dane. She’d been out of her mind with worry. It wasn’t fair to put Dane through that, she supposed, but for Marley it was worth the risk.
Ivanna came over to the table and took a seat next to Jenny. “We are friends, are we not?”
“You know we are.”
“Then I must be brutally honest with you. In this life there can be no misunderstandings between allies or friends. Your word is all you have in our world. I need to trust you and right now I question your loyalty.”
“Don’t you see that’s why I went after Marley?”
“It’s not helping anyone if you allow your emotions to drive your decisions. In this life it will get you killed.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry if I misled you.”
“I know this is all new to you so I will give you the benefit of the doubt. As for your friends upstairs though, I cannot.”
“But she hasn’t done anything to you so I don’t understand.”
“Harris has crossed the line and is not to be trusted.”
“Does that mean you want them to leave?”
“Dmitri and I don’t want him here. He’s a dangerous threat to the pack.”
“Yes, but Marley’s done nothing wrong. Can’t she stay here?”
“I get the impression she will not stay here without him. If she becomes a Rogue, you and Marley will no longer be friends. She will become your enemy.”
“Marley would never do that. You don’t know her like I do. She is a good person, I swear it.”
“I hope you are right. Although in this world things change. You are not human anymore. The rules are different now.” Ivanna pressed her lips together.
“So does that mean they have to leave?”
“I’m sorry, but yes.”
“Well, I guess that means I’m leaving too then.”
“If that is your wish, I will not stop you.” Ivanna placed her hand over Jenny’s. “But heed my warning. This is not over. The Rogues will come for you because their leader is after your mate. He is the key to all of this. You need to decide right now who is more important for you to protect, Dane or Marley.” She patted Jenny and got up from the table to finish cooking.
“If we leave does that mean your pack will not stand by our side and fight if it becomes necessary?”
“I didn’t say that. Dmitri and Dane are very close. He’d never abandon his friend. But I do have a suggestion.”
“What?” She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear it. This whole situation didn’t seem fair.
“You could let them stay at Dane’s cabin until the threat has passed.”
“I’ll talk to my friend about it.”
“Now is as good a time as any. I hear them moving about upstairs.” Ivanna raised an eyebrow.
“Would it be all right if I brought her some of that food you’re preparing first?”
“You can give her some if you’d like. It’ll probably be her last meal as a human though.”
“Huh?”
“Harris has bitten her.”
“She agreed to it, wow.” Jenny was surprised. Marley had more to give up. A great family, lots of friends. She must’ve fallen hard for Harris to consider walking away from her life for a man.
Damn, I hope she realizes the sacrifice involved.
What if Harris hadn’t explained that part to her? Shit, well it was too late now.
“Is everything all right?”
“Your senses are way too acute and you’re much too observant.”
Ivanna could read her like a road map. “I was born into this life so my senses are quite keen.” She winked. “Besides, humans have a distinct scent, as do vampires.”
“It’s going to take me awhile to get used to the new me. I’m lost in this world and still trying to figure it all out.” She sighed as she got up from the table.
“Open your senses. Stop thinking so much and let your instincts rule more. You’ll get the hang of it.”
“Are we okay?” Jenny asked. She hoped they were.
“We’re fine. Now go find your friend.” She shooed Jenny out of the kitchen as some of the pack came inside to eat.
Vitali happened to be one of them. He smiled at Jenny as his eyes moved approvingly over her frame. She quickly looked away quickly. The dark-haired shifter still made her uneasy even though she was sure he wasn’t a threat to her now.
“Hello, sweet Jenny.” One side of Vitali’s mouth twitched as he tried to hide a grin. He had a devilish twinkle in his eye. Tall and ruggedly built. Strong jaw. Women would definitely find him attractive. But she wasn’t one of them.
“Hi.” She decided not to be rude but didn’t say another word as she passed him. He still made her nervous, probably because of their encounter a few days earlier. The sound of a slap across the back of a head made her smile. She heard Ivanna scolding him that Jenny was off-limits.
I guess he still finds my scent appealing.
She shuddered. Vitali was good-looking but he wasn’t Dane.
She climbed the stairs, dreading the conversation she was about to have with her friend. How was she supposed to tell her to leave? She knocked on their door.
“Jenny, come in.” Harris held open the door and gestured for her to enter. “So it appears your shifter friends aren’t too happy about me being here.” He pressed his lips together.
“You heard our conversation?”
“Part of it.” He shrugged.
“How’s Marley?” She tried to change the subject.
“I’m good,” Marley replied. Jenny stepped around Harris and saw Marley sitting up in bed. “Come over here and talk to me.” She patted the space next to her.
“When was it decided that she would become a vampire?” Jenny frowned at him.
“It was her decision, I didn’t force her,” he replied.
“Hey, you two stop talking about me like I’m not here,” her friend cut in.
“Sorry, I just want to make sure you understand what this means.”
“I made a choice while I was sitting in that cell waiting to die. You know me, I don’t do helpless well. I also figured it was safer if I wasn’t human. Besides, I couldn’t go back to my old life, especially with those assholes after us.”
“That’s no reason to choose this life. What about your family?”
“You act like it’s a bad thing, which in my opinion is kind of hypocritical under the circumstances. Do you have a problem with me wanting this too?”
“My reasons are very different than yours. I love Dane and I don’t have a family to go back to like you do.”
“Wow, that hurts. I always believed we were like family or did you decide to write me off too?”
That wasn’t what she’d meant. Of course Marley saw her as kin. Letting go would’ve been very difficult. “I didn’t mean for it to sound as if you’re not important. You are. But think about who you’ll have to leave behind. Your folks are pretty great. I’m going to miss them.”
“It doesn’t matter. I can’t go back now anyway. Harris already bit me.”
“I hope you don’t regret your decision later, after the threat to your life has passed.” She knew how close her friend was to her family, especially her mom.
“What choice do I have? I can’t go back to my old life, not after this. Everyone will think I’m nuts and I won’t put my family in danger.”
“You could’ve gone back if you chose to go. They aren’t in danger where they are.”
“Not without Harris. I’m crazy about him. Besides, being human kind of makes it difficult for us to be together if you know what I mean.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Why was she acting like it was no big deal at a time like this?
“I’m being serious here.”
“I can call or email. The rest I’ll deal with when the time comes. I can’t change it now. It’s too late.”
“Sounds like you have it all figured out.” Jenny sighed in frustration.
“It’s not going to be easy but nothing worth having ever is.” She shrugged.
Always the optimist.
“How are you feeling?”
“Peachy.” She rolled her eyes.
“Until the pain hits—it will come, you know.” Harris came over and sat next to her on the bed.
“I’m fine. Never better, actually.”
“Will you talk some sense into your friend?” He threw up his hands.
“I want to get outside. It’s snowing and you know I hate being cooped up.”
“He’s right. You need to listen to him. The change is painful. I made the mistake of sending Dane away during my transition, to get me a phone so I could talk to you. Boy was that a mistake. I honestly believed I was going to spontaneously combust. It wasn’t pleasant.”
“How did your lover make the pain go away?”
“Harris didn’t tell you?”
“He sort of explained something about sex doing the trick. But I assumed he was joking.”
“It’s no joke.” She frowned at Harris, not liking the fact that he hadn’t warned her.
“I tried to get her to listen.” He shook his head.
“You’re kidding me. Really, sex is the cure?”
“Um…well…yes, sex is the only thing that seems to work for some reason.”
“Interesting.” She laughed.
“I wouldn’t joke about something like that.” Harris didn’t seem to appreciate her doubting him.
“Really, I assumed you were trying to get in my pants again.” She nudged her lover playfully.
“It’s not a joke. I was beyond reason when Dane returned. My skin was on fire and when he tried to touch me it made the pain worse. He still feels bad about that night.” She gave Harris a sympathetic look. Her friend could be extremely difficult sometimes.
“So he forced you to have sex with him?” Marley studied her expression. But Jenny didn’t want her to get the wrong idea. It was her choice to send him away that night and the pain she experienced was the result of her decision. He’d had no choice. It was the only way to relieve her discomfort.
“He had to. There was no other way to stop the pain.” She wasn’t explaining it right. Marley’s shocked expression was proof enough of that.