Flesh and Bone (Blood and Darkness Book 2)

by Melissa Sercia

  I breathed a sigh of relief as I gazed into Aldric’s eyes. His bright blue eyes which looked at me with love once again.

  He cupped my face in his hands. “I hate that you risked your life for mine, but I love you more for doing it.”

  My heart skipped. “I made you a promise when we first met that I would always protect you. I would rather die knowing you are safe than walk this world without you by my side.”

  His hands moved to my hair as he pulled me closer. His lips pressed down, soft and delicate. The tip of his tongue traced mine, warm and tasting of tobacco and honey. My pulse raced. His lips moved down my neck. I closed my eyes and inhaled the familiar scent of salt and sandalwood.

  A rush of heat flooded my belly as he pulled my hips toward him. I wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed him harder. Sweat dripped down my back as he lowered me to the floor. I drew in a sharp breath and arched my back as he stripped my clothes off.

  My hands trembled as I fumbled with the buttons on his pants. His eyes glowed bright blue with tiny flecks of gold reflected from the firelight. They burned into mine as he entered me. I let out a gasp as his naked flesh slid over me. We rose and fell into each other like crashing waves.

  He cradled me in his arms as I trembled. The sweet taste of him still lingered on my lips. It was the last peaceful moment we would get to have until this whole thing was all over.

  I left Aldric in the study to meet The Keeper in the healing clinic. He hooked me up to a bleeding tube for the Narcissus extraction. The Keeper leaned over his work station and fiddled with various testing tubes. There was an array of beakers, herbs, serums, and charts spread out before him. He hummed quietly to himself while he measured out ingredients. I closed my eyes and turned my thoughts to Aldric. I could still feel his warmth on my skin, and it calmed my nerves.

  The Keeper mumbled something about needing a flower from the garden and scurried out. Before the door could close completely, another set of footsteps shuffled in.

  I opened my eyes to see Dragos lingering in the doorway. His light brown skin glowed like the sun under the fluorescent lights. He was strikingly handsome in an unconventional way. His shadowed eyes hinted at mystery, like something was always haunting him. He was handsome, but also full of darkness.

  He folded his arms to his chest as I studied his face. “We need to talk, Gray. I’m not ready to let you go.”

  I chuckled. “Of course you wait to tell me this until I’m hooked up to a machine and can’t run away.”

  He rolled his eyes. “This is serious, Gray. What happened between us, at the cabin, I can’t stop thinking about it. I know you still feel it. The energy between us. Are you just going to walk away from that?”

  My head pounded from the loss of blood. “I wasn’t myself that night. You know that. Do I have feelings for you? Yes. I always will. But I can’t love you the way you want me to.”

  He threw his hands up. His nostrils flared. “I don’t understand you. After all we’ve been through together for over four centuries, and you want to be with someone you barely know. He can’t give you what you need. He doesn’t know you like I do.”

  My stomach was in knots. “I’m sorry, but I’m in love with him. I have to walk away from you because I can’t walk away from him. I don’t expect you to understand, but I need you to accept it.”

  Dragos’s eyes flashed red with rage. He clenched his fists. “I will never accept it, not in my heart. But I will have to live with it. After this war is over, I have to get away from you.”

  My hands trembled. “Dragos, don’t be—”

  “I’m joining Nadia’s coven in Bucharest once this is all over. Do not contact me there unless it is to join me.” He spun on his heel and charged out of the clinic.

  I called after him, but he was gone.

  The Keeper returned a few minutes later, smiling and satisfied with his discovery from the garden.

  He glanced in my direction and froze. “Are you in pain?”

  I wiped the tears off my cheek with the back of my hand. “Yes.”

  He rushed over. “I can adjust the tube and give you some willow bark to chew on if you like.”

  I shook my head. “The tube is fine. It’s not my body that’s hurting.”

  His eyes widened, then lowered. “I see. Dragos…he almost knocked me over on his way down the corridor. Unfortunately, I do not have a potion for a broken heart.” He gave my shoulder a light squeeze and turned back to his workstation.

  I shuddered. Dragos’s heart was more than broken. It was incinerated. Nothing more than a pile of ash and rubble. And it was all my fault.

  I rubbed my arm as I walked to the war room. The long descent, deep into the catacombs, gave me some time to gather myself. It was probably the last time I would be alone before the next battle. I drew in a deep breath, inhaling the scent of red clay, rich and earthy. It filled my lungs, calming my heart.

  I stepped into the room to find Valentina and Aldric sharpening their weapons. Dragos was noticeably missing. I cursed under my breath. He was really angry this time. I just hoped he would pull it together when it came time to fight.

  Valentina furrowed her eyebrows. Her nose crinkled. “We just got word. Jezebel has taken over Stonehaven.”

  I nodded. I was not surprised. Stonehaven was a fortress, only accessible by boat. It was a strategic move on her part to claim it. But Tobias knew the inside of it like the back of his hand. She was taking a risk in choosing it. Or we were just falling into another one of her traps. After the last stunt I pulled on her, I could only expect merciless retaliation.

  Aldric flashed me a grin and swept me up in his arms. He nuzzled my neck and whispered, “Let’s go back to bed.”

  I giggled and swatted him away. “Stop, we have work to do.”

  Valentina feigned annoyance. “Aren’t you two just adorable? Now, if you are done grossing me out, I’d like to get back to sharpening my blades without vomiting all over them.” She smirked and gave me a wink.

  Dragos stumbled into the room. He reeked of booze and tobacco. His eyes burned into mine. “Am I interrupting anything?” His words blurred together in a haze of delirium. He chuckled and reached for his sword.

  I snatched it away before he could grab it. “Go sober up first. You’re in no state to handle a weapon.” My tone was as sharp as my blade.

  He snickered. “Always so bossy. Aldric, does she order you around in the bedroom too?”

  Aldric stiffened. His jaw clenched. “Careful.”

  A lump formed in my throat. “Dragos, leave. You’re good at that.”

  He took a giant step toward me, bridging the gap between us. “I’m good at a lot of things, darling. Why don’t I demonstrate?” He pulled my face toward his and smacked his lips against mine.

  Valentina cried out as Aldric hopped over the war table and yanked Dragos back. He spun him around and cracked his jaw with his fist, sending him flying backward.

  My cheeks burned. “Happy now?” My blood was boiling.

  Dragos laughed and spit blood on the ground. “Happy? You don’t know how to make anyone happy, Gray. All you do is—”

  Valentina snapped, “That’s enough. Dragos, get out of here now. Or I will kill you myself.” Her nostrils flared, and the veins popped out of her neck.

  His face fell, taking the smug look with it. He shook his head and stumbled toward the door. He threw a glare back at Aldric before leaving. “She’s all yours.”

  Aldric darted forward, but I placed a firm hand on his chest. “Let him go. It’s not worth it.”

  Aldric’s eyes were drained of color. His heart raced. I kept my hand over it, willing it to slow down. He turned his face to mine as the blue spilled back into his irises. I let out a sigh of relief.

  He clasped my hand. “Are you, all right?”

  I nodded. “He’s hurt and drunk. He didn’t mean it. Let’s get back to work. The coven leaders will be here shortly.”

  The air in the room was thi
ck with uncertainty. A part of me worried that I wouldn’t be able to get through to Dragos this time. He had flown off the handle before, but not like this. Even Valentina’s hands trembled at his outburst. That familiar feeling of dread twisted in my gut like a knife. If Dragos lost control, he would also lose his last bit of humanity. That thought terrified me more than anything Jezebel and her Serpent Bearers could ever do to me.

  Twenty-Eight

  The war drums beat loud in my ear. Zari’s Rain Makers were readying themselves for battle in the garden. The irony of a dozen bloodthirsty soldiers surrounded by masses of delicate flowers was not lost on me.

  One by one, the covens gathered in the catacombs. They lined up their warriors in single file as they waited for The Keeper to administer the new Narcissus serum by injecting my magic straight into their veins.

  Tobias looked on with a scowl of disapproval. He was still bitter toward me for letting Jezebel get away. Remembering how easy it was for him to leave Pythia on the battlefield to die at Infitum, his attitude didn’t surprise me. He was disappointed that I didn’t share his lack of empathy.

  I spotted Nadia in the corner, huddled with Dragos. She giggled and batted her black eyelashes as he whispered something in her ear. He glanced over at me and I rolled my eyes. His attempts to make me jealous were pathetic.

  Nadia was beautiful with her long wavy black hair and piercing emerald green eyes. Rumored to be a descendant of Aphrodite, she exuded confidence and sensuality out of every pore. Even the way she threw her head back to laugh at his jokes seemed to invoke an invitation to devour her. But I wasn’t a fool. Dragos wasn’t looking at her, he was looking through her. She was just a pawn in another one of his games. I would not let him win by getting a rise out of me.

  I was scanning the room for Aldric when Arcadia approached. Her white blonde hair was piled on top of her head in a messy bun, held together by two jeweled daggers. Her skin was creamy like frosting, a stark contrast to the spiky edges of her armor.

  She pursed her lips. “Hello, sister. Your plan going to work this time? I’m growing bored with all of this.” She waved her hand in the direction of the covens and shuddered.

  “It will work. One way or another, I’m taking them down for good.” It had to work.

  Arcadia raised an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. Whatever you say, boss.” She snickered as she walked away.

  My cheeks flamed and my chest tightened. Was Dragos talking about me to everyone? I shook it off. Just breathe, Gray. I was repeating this over and over in my head through deep breaths when Aldric came up behind me. He twirled me around and planted a soft kiss on my lips. His presence sent me into an instant state of calm.

  “Hey darlin’, having a heart to heart with your sweet sister?” He winked and that mischievous smirk I loved so much returned.

  I chuckled. “Oh, but of course. We are the best of friends now. Didn’t you hear?” I winked back at him.

  He looked down at me with bright eyes, cupping my face in his hands. “We got this. This war ends today. I’ll be by your side the entire time.”

  Butterflies swam in my stomach as I gazed back at him. “Marry me, Aldric.” The words left my lips before I had a chance to catch them. My heart thudded in my chest.

  His eyes widened. A look of shock passed through them. “Did you just say what I think you said?”

  I laughed nervously and tugged at a lock of my hair. “I know it’s sudden and unexpected, but it’s been on my mind a lot. I almost lost you twice. I don’t want to take anything for granted. I want to be with you in every way.” I was breathless.

  He stood staring at me, dumbfounded. His mouth dropped open. “Are…are you sure?”

  I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Maybe I spoke too soon. “Look, if it’s too much, then just forget—”

  “Yes. One hundred percent, yes. I would be honored to be your husband.” His eyes lit up to match his smile, stretching from ear to ear.

  I let out the breath I’d been holding and threw my arms around his neck. He kissed my cheek, my neck, my trembling hands. He picked me up and twirled me around as I let out a little shriek.

  Murmurs and whispers began floating around the room as we embraced. I didn’t care that they were watching us. The joy I felt in my bones was all I could focus on. I was many things—a warrior, a Witch, a Dhampir, and a leader, but being Aldric’s wife, his partner, gave me more of an adrenaline rush than all the bloody battles I’d ever fought. And going into the next one with him at my side made me feel invincible.

  Valentina crept over, her eyes darted around the room. “Hey, sorry to interrupt your love fest, but I need a word.” Her eyes pleaded with me.

  I nodded and walked with her to the other side of the room. We found a dark corner out of earshot from the others.

  She took a deep breath. “I have a feeling I know what you and Aldric were carrying on about and if I’m right, I’m so happy for you. You deserve it. But can you please not announce anything until after Stonehaven? Dragos is already reckless as it is. I need him to be focused on the battle, not his jealous rage.”

  She was right. The news of my upcoming nuptials would only send him further off the edge. There was no telling how he would react, but it would surely be a disaster for all of us.

  I placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I agree. None of us can afford any distractions. I’ll talk to Aldric. We can deal with that issue after we defeat Jezebel.”

  Valentina smiled. “And I will help you deal with it. Thank you. I truly am happy for you, Gray. I didn’t get it before, but I see it now. You do belong with Aldric.”

  Her words warmed me. She had been fighting me on this for so long, it was nice to finally have my best friend on my side again. I threw my arm around her as we walked back to join the others.

  The Keeper waved me over. “It’s almost time. Josephine is distributing the last of the serum, and Lycos is helping Zari load the ships. You sail for Stonehaven at dawn.”

  I nodded and squeezed his hand. “Thank you for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. How can I ever repay you for all that you’ve done for me?”

  He patted my hand. “Nonsense. You don’t owe me anything. It’s my duty. It is I who should be thanking you. You honor the gods with your service. That’s all I could ever ask.”

  My eyes welled up with tears. The Keeper was the closest thing to a father I’d ever had. He kept me safe, he kept me alive, and he kept my secrets.

  The Keeper gasped in surprise as I pulled him into a quick embrace and stepped back just as quick. “I know that wasn’t customary, but I like to hug the people I care about before I march into battle.”

  He nodded and smiled. “Nothing about you has ever been customary. Another thing I admire about you.” He gave me a slight bow and sauntered off.

  I was about to join the others when Josephine approached, timid and cautious, with her son, Samuel, at her heels. I hadn’t spoken with either of them since before the battle at Infitum. Truthfully, I was surprised both of them were here.

  I eyed them both with scrutiny. “Do you have something you want to say to me?”

  Josephine nodded. “Samuel does.”

  Samuel scowled. He shifted his feet. “I hope there are no hard feelings between us. I was just following Tobias’s orders.”

  I folded my arms to my chest. “That seems to be a recurring theme around here. Very well, I accept your…apology.”

  Josephine nodded in approval. “I, too, have no quarrels with your family. Tobias restored my position with the Crescent Witches. It’s all water under the bridge.”

  I chuckled. “Is it?”

  She raised her chin. “I am a woman of my word. You will not have any trouble from us.”

  I licked my lips and smirked. “Good. You made the right choice. Samuel has seen firsthand what I do to those who oppose me.”

  I snickered as I walked away, leaving them both shaking where they stood. I didn’t trust either of them,
but I could keep them in line with fear.

  I looked around the room at all the bodies draped in the armor that represented their covens. The Crescent Witches wore long velvet robes, drenched in magic with crowns of flowers on their delicate heads. The Rain Makers wore emblems of the earth—air, water, soil, and fire, with shields made of bark and bone. Then there were the Lupi and the Rougarou, draped in the furs of their fallen wolves—splashes of crimson and cobalt and jade stained their arms and their faces, mixed in with the markings of their most sacred symbol, the Helm of Awe. And finally, my coven, the Dhampirs—with black shadow paint smeared across our faces and leather garments to match. The only glint of color came from the slight shimmer of our metal chest plates and arm cuffs. All these different coats of arms united now by one thing. My blood.

  Twenty-Nine

  We brought twenty ships into the North Sea of Scotland. We amassed around Stonehaven’s rocky island like a swarm of bees, blocking all exits. Valentina and Aldric were with me on my ship. Dragos chose to ride with Nadia and the Striga. It was better that way. The journey over was less tense, allowing me to focus on one thing only—killing Jezebel.

  Aldric and I led the march up the steep hill and right into the heart of Stonehaven—the gatehouse. My army of descendants, now turned Dhampir-Witches, followed close behind. The other covens had spread out and were coming up from all sides of the coastline. There were no drums this time. There would be no grand entrance. This would be an ambush.

  Three willowy figures stood in front of the entrance to the gatehouse. Serpent Bearers, holding up a magical barrier to block us from getting inside. My eyes shifted to black. I charged forward and with a flick of my hand, the shield dissipated. Their eyes grew wide with horror as I slashed through all three of them in one clean motion. All three of their heads toppled over and fell onto the wet ground. I kicked open the door, knocking it off its hinges.