“Noah,” I gasped in dismay, wriggling out from behind Lochlan. He stopped me from rushing forward, drawing me into the safety of his arms.
Everett glared at the arms around me, curling his upper lip in disdain. “You would so readily protect the witch, even after discovering that she’s slept with this warlock?”
Lochlan stiffened against me. Before he could reply, I rallied my courage and snapped, “I’m a virgin, douchebag, not that it’s any of your business. But Noah is my friend and I want to know why you’ve taken him prisoner.”
Everett shot his brother an incredulous look. “You allow her to freely speak this way?”
Lochlan secured me more tightly against him as I tried to lunge for his chauvinistic brother. My fangs threatened to descend, and I barely curbed the instinct to hiss. I paused when I felt a mixture of shock and relief coming from Lochlan, though. Because of my words?
“Answer her question, Everett,” was all he said, which made Everett’s pale green eyes bleed to red.
Yikes.
“The warlock is our insurance,” he quietly hissed. “If you care about the witch as much as you seem to, then you’ll come home with us in order to keep her friend alive. Especially when rumor has it you failed to keep the sister alive.”
He might as well have punched me. All the air fled my lungs in a powerful rush at the reminder of what I’d lost.
“You just crossed a line, brother,” Lochlan replied in an eerily soft voice I’d never heard him use before. “I won’t forget this.”
Everett’s jaw hardened, but his gaze briefly wavered as if he too had never heard Lochlan use that tone. “Take it up with Father. He’s been trying to get in touch with you since yesterday. Apparently, there’s been an unexpected development, and he needs us back right away.”
Uh oh.
Lochlan’s whole body tensed. “Does he know about McKenna?”
“I didn’t tell him, if that’s what you’re asking. I wouldn’t take that away from you, no matter how angry I am at the decisions you’ve been making.”
I didn’t have time to ponder over Everett’s words, not when I was so busy internally freaking out. I needed to tell Lochlan about the deal his father had made with the headmistress. That he already knew about me.
“Are we done here?” Troy spoke up in a bored tone. “I’m tired of propping up this guy.”
I bit my lip, willing it not to tremble as I took in Noah’s ruined face again. Both eyes were swollen shut. Blood matted his blond hair and covered most of his face. I could only guess how bad the rest of him looked, or if anything was broken.
And then I remembered what Everett had just said. All but implying that Isla was dead. How he’d found out, I didn’t know, but now Noah knew. And he’d been told the news in the worst way possible. So flippantly. So callously. I wanted to weep for him. Could only imagine the pain and confusion he was in right now.
Lochlan ran his thumb up and down my clothed arm, as if he could sense my growing distress. No doubt he could, now that we were feeling each other’s emotions. “We’ll go with you,” he finally said, “as soon as Kade returns.”
“Your drothen can catch up,” Troy drawled. “I’m not staying in this dump a second longer than I have to. Smart of you though, choosing this place. We wouldn’t have thought to look here.”
“Troy’s right,” Everett said, backing away. “You have five minutes to collect your things. Any longer than that and we take out our impatience on the warlock. Try to escape and he dies.”
Helplessness filled me as he and Troy left the room, dragging Noah with them. The second their footsteps faded, Lochlan turned me to face him. One look at my crestfallen expression and he tucked me against his chest. “I’m so sorry,” he murmured into my hair. “I’ve failed you again.”
I clung to him as tightly as I could, suddenly terrified that this would be our last embrace. “It’s my fault. If not for me, Noah would still be safe behind the institute’s wards.”
If not for me, my best friend wouldn’t be dead. My throat closed with unshed tears.
“But they’re my brothers. And it’s my fault they act this way.”
“What? How?” I peeled my cheek off his chest to look up at him.
His gaze wavered. I felt his guard go up. Felt the wariness, the need to protect himself.
“Lochlan,” I breathed, imploring him to let me in.
Trust me. I won’t hurt you.
He closed his eyes. Midnight hair shadowed his face as he lowered his head. “If not for me, a war wouldn’t be brewing,” he started haltingly, as if he had to pry the words from his mouth. “If not for me, my kingdom wouldn’t be divided. If not for me, there wouldn’t be a curse.” He lifted tortured eyes to mine. “It’s my fault all of this is happening, McKenna. It’s my fault that you’re here.”
It’s my fault that we’re bonded, that we’re soulmates, his eyes seemed to say.
But I was glad he hadn’t spoken the words out loud. If he had, I would have crumbled. Would have broken to pieces on the stained carpet. Because if I was completely honest with myself, our bond was the only thing holding me together. The stronger it became, the stronger I felt, like I could face the dangers ahead of me and actually survive. I didn’t want to know how weak, how alone I’d feel without it.
“We have to go,” Lochlan said before I could respond, the raw emotion he’d shown me slipping behind that aloof mask of his. As if he’d regretted opening up to me. My heart sank.
Nodding, I reluctantly pulled away and slipped into the bathroom. Not bothering with makeup, I hurriedly donned a cropped burgundy sweater, distressed jeans, and ankle boots that Kade had purchased for me—which surprisingly fit well.
Why hasn’t he returned yet? I couldn’t help but worry.
If being separated from Lochlan was like having a hole inside my chest, then being separated from Kade was like losing an arm. I cared for them both. Not in the same way, but Kade’s friendship was more important to me than ever, especially now that . . .
Now that I’d lost Isla.
Nope. I still wasn’t ready to deal with her death. I carefully tucked her memory away, keeping it safe until I could properly grieve. Hopefully at a time when no one else was around.
Less than five minutes later, we were heading toward Lochlan’s car, our arms laden with shopping bags mostly filled with my new stuff.
“I need to tell you something,” I whispered as softly as I could, covertly watching his brothers from the corner of my eye.
“So do I,” Lochlan replied just as softly. “But not here. Wait until we get inside the car.” Before he could pop the trunk though, Everett blocked our way.
“Leave the car. You’re riding with us.”
Lochlan released a warning growl in response.
“You think I’m giving you the freedom to ditch us again?” Everett hissed. “Guess again. Now get in Troy’s car.”
Lochlan went rigid and so did I. He looked two seconds away from attacking his brother, which was so not good. If he lost the fight, who knew what his brothers would do to me and Noah. Reaching out, I touched his jacket. He immediately broke his staredown with Everett to look at me.
“It’s okay,” I quietly said, forcing a small smile for his benefit. “This way, Kade will have a car when he returns.”
He searched my face, probably my emotions as well. I tamped down my dread, pushing as much calm through my body as I could. Eventually, he gave a curt nod, responding, “Fine. But McKenna rides next to me.”
“Not happening. I’ll be watching her in the backseat. I wouldn’t put it past you to try something.”
My heart trilled with fear. I couldn’t stop my fingers from tightening on Lochlan’s jacket at the thought of sitting next to Everett with no way to escape for hours on end.
“I swear I won’t,” Lochlan suddenly gritted out, clenching his fists. “You have my word. I won’t attempt to escape with McKenna. Just let her sit beside me.”
My eyes widened, while Everett’s narrowed.
“Seal your oath with a pactum and we have a deal,” he said, removing his gloves.
Lochlan’s nostrils flared, but after a moment, he removed his as well. Then, quick as a striking snake, his black claws shot out and slashed open his palm. I flinched when his blood spilled, dribbling to the asphalt. While Everett repeated the gesture, meeting Lochlan’s bloodied palm in a firm handshake, my instincts honed in on the scent of blood.
Lochlan’s blood.
The need to have it, to have him, exploded through me in punishing waves. Invisible fingers viciously squeezed my throat. My stomach hollowed out, cramping painfully. I suddenly realized how long I’d gone without eating food. I was starving and hadn’t even noticed, too focused on suppressing my new cravings.
“What’s wrong with her?” I heard Everett say, right before my legs gave out.
Strong arms wrapped around my middle, halting my fall. “McKenna,” Lochlan’s distant voice said, tight with worry.
I blinked up at his blurry face, trying to focus. “Need . . .” was all I could croak out. I mentally pushed my hunger at him, hoping he could feel it through our bond.
As understanding crossed his face, Everett said, “You’re too close, Loch. It’s a trick.”
Lochlan firmly shook his head. “She needs blood. Did you bring any with you?”
It took him a moment, but when Everett finally realized what Lochlan was implying, he roared, “Did she touch you? Hurt you? Is that why she’s transitioned?”
I was up in Lochlan’s arms a split second later, held tightly to his chest as he squared off with his brother. “Calm down, Everett. She hasn’t touched or hurt me.”
“Then what?” Everett barked, loud enough that I ached to cover my sensitive ears. “Did she seduce you into touching her? If so, I’m going to rip her—”
“She didn’t do anything,” Lochlan bellowed, his anger whipping through my chest. “A rogue bit her the second she fled the institute. I don’t know what else was done to her before I got there. I couldn’t protect her because I had to deal with you two. But she’s been through enough pain. So if you don’t have any blood to give her, I’ll take care of her myself.”
Everett went deathly still. “You wouldn’t.”
“I already have,” Lochlan said, his voice low and sharp, “and I’ll gladly do it again if she needs it.”
Shock, followed by horror, contorted Everett’s features. “Willingly? You willingly shared your blood with her?” He stared at his brother as if he were a complete stranger.
Lochlan’s jaw hardened. Before he could reply, Troy called, “Let her feed on the warlock. He’s not good for much else anyway.”
A growl of hunger tore through me, even as I balked at the thought of feeding from Noah.
“Not happening,” Lochlan said, his tone brooking no argument. He purposefully stalked toward Troy’s car with me in his arms.
“Don’t do it,” Everett bit out, trailing us closely. “I forbid you.”
“You don’t have that kind of authority,” Lochlan threw back, managing to wrench the back door open and carefully set me inside. He crouched before me and removed a glove, positioning a black claw over the vein in his forearm like last time.
Before he could make the first cut though, Everett shouted, “Stop!”
Lochlan paused.
“She’ll get all the blood she needs. Just don’t do this to yourself.”
For a moment, I thought he would anyway. And I desperately wanted him to. Desperately wanted more of his blood warming my insides, strengthening our bond. But he withdrew, tugging his glove on again to face his brother.
“She feeds now, before we leave. That’s nonnegotiable.”
I tried to suppress my feelings of hurt and disappointment, knowing they were ridiculous, but they pressed down on me anyway. It wasn’t until Lochlan gently wrapped my hands around a metal thermos that I had the strength to look up at him.
“Drink,” was all he said, but his eyes said so much more. They can’t know about us. About our bond. It’s dangerous for us to be close.
I understand, I silently sent back, even as I struggled to. Wouldn’t his brothers treat me better if they knew we were soulmates? Or maybe he was too ashamed to admit that he was tied to a witch. A lump formed in my throat, and I barely managed to choke down the blood. When the thermos was half empty, I gave it back, unable to stomach more.
Lochlan’s brow furrowed with concern, but he didn’t question me. He didn’t say much of anything as he loaded our stuff into the trunk and joined me in the backseat. A barely conscious Noah was shoved into the seat on my other side after Lochlan firmly insisted he wasn’t riding in the trunk. The brothers had argued for several minutes, but Lochlan had eventually won.
As I sat there, unable to escape the car’s thick tension and silence, a shocking fact slowly dawned on me. They respected him. Despite the brother’s rocky relationship, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle signs. They cared for each other in a tumultuous “we’ll always be family” sort of way.
It was me the brothers didn’t like.
Me, who disrupted their brotherly dynamic. Who could hurt their brother.
Who was needed—but not wanted—to break a curse they themselves had instigated.
Yeah. This was going to be a long car ride.
23
KENNA
They were arguing again.
Mostly Lochlan and Everett.
This time over whether or not to stop for a short break.
You could learn a lot about someone’s personality when stuck in a cramped space with them for several hours. Everett was the short-tempered, “in charge” one, majorly suffering from oldest child syndrome. He was bossy, even bossier than Lochlan, if that was possible. But he wasn’t entirely unreasonable, oftentimes bending to his younger brother’s will after hearing him out.
Lochlan was the rebel, the lone wolf. Always challenging his older brother like any good middle child would. His stubbornness made a lot more sense now.
Troy was the indulgent, easygoing one, clearly exasperated albeit amused by his brothers’ antics. The way he stared at me in the rearview mirror sent goosebumps erupting over my flesh though. It was invasive, like he was undressing me with his eyes. I almost preferred Everett’s violent, hateful glares. At least I knew exactly how he felt about me.
As an only child, I’d always been curious about the sibling dynamic. How some got along and others didn’t. How each were vastly different yet oddly alike. As far as brothers went, these three seemed fairly typical. Under normal circumstances, I could see how their unique personalities would blend well together. As vampire princes dealing with a century-long curse, however, their differences were causing all sorts of problems.
“She hasn’t had food to eat in over twenty-four hours,” Lochlan was saying, clearly not taking no for an answer. “She’s not like us. Blood can’t solely sustain her.”
“Do you think I care?” Everett responded from the front passenger’s seat. “I’d rather her be weak and subdued anyway. Makes me want to kill her less.”
At Lochlan’s furious growl, I rested my hand on his jean-clad leg without thinking. The growling immediately stopped.
“I’m fine,” I whispered up at him, trying to calm him further with a reassuring smile. My own hunger pangs aside, I worried for Noah. He’d dozed on and off for the last four hours, not once uttering a sound. Even through the border checkpoint back into the US, he’d remained quiet. Troy still had to use his thrall on the officer who’d seen Noah’s poor condition, though.
“Pull over, Troy,” Everett abruptly snapped. When his brother only threw him an inquisitive look, he grabbed the steering wheel and wrenched the car sharply off the road.
Swearing, Troy slammed on the brakes, and I jerked forward. Lochlan’s arm pushed me back, saving me from whiplash. Before we could come to a complete stop, Everett was out of the car and ripping o
pen Noah’s door. In a flash, he had him by the throat. I screamed as he tore him from the vehicle and savagely bit into his neck.
Noah’s cry of agony jerked me from my stunned stupor and I scrambled after him. I’d barely cleared the vehicle when steel arms encircled my waist, halting me in my tracks. “Stop!” I yelled, struggling to break free of Lochlan’s ironclad hold while my friend weakly writhed in pain. With his hands still bound behind him, he couldn’t use magic to defend himself.
“Everett, enough,” Lochlan roared, remaining where he was to keep me in check.
Troy joined us, but only to lean against his car and watch the scene as if it were a spectator sport.
As swiftly as he’d grabbed him, Everett released Noah, letting him crumple to the snow. I tried to go to him, but Everett pinned me in place with a death glare. “That was a warning, witch,” he hissed, allowing blood to drip from his chin as he stalked forward, halting too close for comfort. “Never ever touch my brother like that again, or the warlock dies. The only reason he’s not dead now is because Loch has so far kept his word. But I won’t tolerate your manipulations like he does. So keep. Your hands. Off.”
I could feel his hatred like a thousand bee stings. Boring into my flesh. Releasing its venom. I was paralyzed under its force, unable to blink or breathe.
Even as I felt Lochlan’s fury rise within me, I could do nothing but stare.
“Give it a rest, Ever,” Troy said before Lochlan’s fury could erupt. “I’ve had witches do far worse to me. Under the influence of my thrall, of course.” He threw me a sly smirk and tipped his hat before sauntering over to retrieve Noah.
Everett’s lip curled back in disgust. “Don’t remind me of your many foul kinks, Troy.”
“Hey, it’s the pleasurable company I’m after. I don’t care where it comes from.”
“Well, you should,” Everett rebutted, apparently done with me as he slid back into his bossy big brother role.
When he released me from his stare, though, I still couldn’t move.
Curse Touched: A Paranormal Vampire Romance (A Touch of Vampire Book 2) Page 20
