Bad Blood: Bad Duology Book One

by Colt, Shyla

  * * *

  Being inside of her brain allowed him to train her more effectively.

  “We’re going to try something different today. The best training is tailored to the person. So we’re going to play a game.”

  “A game?” She looked at him skeptically.

  “Yes, capture the flag.”

  She glanced around. “With what teams?”

  “Just us. You get the flag from me, and we’ll call it a day.”

  “What’s the catch?”

  “No catch. Use everything you can to get the flag from me and take it to the center of the maze.” He took the white flag from his pocket and waved it. She shot forward, and he spun, sending her stumbling toward the maze.

  “You didn’t think it would be easy, did you?”

  She growled.

  He smirked. “Try harder.”

  She narrowed her eyes and zig-zagged her way toward him. He side-stepped her and took off. Her feet pounded heavily on the ground. “If you want to catch me unaware, you’ll have to be much quieter than that. You sound like a heard of buffalo.”

  Her irritated huff made him laugh. He’d been there—defiant and angry as he learned to use his newly gained powers. Cutting through the hedges, he went still. She ran past, once, twice, and a third time, slower, as she sought him out. Pride rose inside of him. She’s learning fast. We need that.

  On the fourth pass, she hesitated. He sprang from his space, starling her. She stumbled back, before giving chase. He wound around the maze, hoping a hedge to confuse her. The hedges shook as she attempted to follow him. She came shy of making the leap and landed with a thud on the ground. He poked his head through the maze. “Close, but not good enough.”

  She grunted from her position on her ass. “I’m going to enjoy taking that flag from you.”

  “If I reach the center of the maze first, I win.” He winked before he raced off. He’d had enough of this game. It was past time they began training.

  Sitting on the edge of the fountain, he crossed his legs and draped the flag over it. She appeared moments later, breathing heavily. Face flushed, and chest heaving, she glared at him from her bowed position. Hands on her thighs she fought to catch her breath.

  “This is an important lesson. If you can’t outmatch them in power, outsmart them. You’re already going to be at a disadvantage. You’re frail, slower, and weaker than the things that will hunt you.”

  “W-way to deliver a pep talk, c-coach,” she wheezed.

  “My job is to keep you alive and prepare you for what’s to come. I won’t stroke your ego, or mince words. This is what we’re working with. You have talents they don’t, but going toe-to-toe is always going to be a last resort. You need to think faster and work smarter. Use everything around you to your advantage. Tell me how you could’ve approached this with a different strategy.”

  “You’re faster than me and you know this maze like the back of your hand.”

  “Yes.” He nodded. The answer was obvious to him.

  “I could’ve tried to distract you, maybe.”

  “That would have been an excellent way to use your powers to your advantage without exhausting yourself. There’s a better answer, however.”

  “Then why don’t you tell me.” She cocked her hip.

  “Because the training is for you.”

  A wicked smile lined her lips. “Well, I have an idea, but I’d need to test it out.”

  “What?” he asked, wary of her sudden switch in demeanor.

  “I could create a weapon made from nature.”

  “This weapon would hinder me how?”

  She held out her palm. A sphere of crackling yellow energy began to form. “This is concentrated sunlight.” She let the ball grow. When it was the size of her head, she stopped. His skin itched, and he stepped back. “Does it work?”

  “Yes,” he said through his clenched teeth. It wouldn’t be long before his skin blistered.

  She let the ball wink out.

  “Well done. Still not the simplest solution.” He shook his head. “What are your resources?”

  “Powers.”

  “And?” He tilted his head.

  “Vamp speed?”

  “And?” He nudged their link.

  “The link,” she said softly.

  “Everything I know, you potentially know. We need to get used to this. It’s a powerful asset, we need to exploit.

  “Lessons will be more than physical.” He stood. “Are you ready?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  “No.” Smirking, he shoved her lightly and darted three yards away. “Are you going to take that?” He crossed in front of her and ran in circles around her. She spun, weaving once she got dizzy. Planting her feet, she took a deep breath and held out her hands. Her head popped up and she tracked him. She narrowed her eyes. Her eyes turned purple and she took after him at an impressive clip. He turned, and crouched down, shoulder out. She skidded to a halt, digging her heels into the dirt.

  “Better.” She shot forward and he flicked her ear and chuckled. “But nowhere near where you need to be.” Leaping up from the ground, he ran across the hedges.

  “You cheating bastard,” she cried. The shrubbery rustled as she followed below him.

  He admired her grit. She didn’t give up. Even if she’s losing. He sailed over her head and raced to the entrance. Landing on his feet, he glanced up to see her stumbling out of the archway.

  “How did you track me?”

  “The bond. It’s like having a Crewe GPS.”

  “Nicely done, Keeta. Now that the games are over, the hard part begins.”

  “Wait? The hard part?” He walked back toward the castle and she ran up beside him. “Do you consider this easy?”

  “That was for your brain. The next step will be for your body.”

  “From anyone else that would be a come on.”

  “I’m going to train you until muscle memory takes over, and you can use your brain. You’ll be able to wield a sword, fight hand-to-hand, and use your magic. We have to figure out what you can do.”

  “Oh that’s all. No problem.”

  Ignoring her sarcasm, he continued. “During our downtime, we will search for more information on the spell, and how to repair it.”

  “Oh, in all our spare time?”

  “You got plans for anything else?” He stopped in front of a room and opened the door to reveal a large space lined with padded mats, faded tapestries, and crests from long ago. Weapons lined the walls, carefully placed in holders. He bypassed the spears, crossbows, and maces to heft a sword. The cold steel fit into his palm perfectly. Years of battle and handling had turned Reaver into an extra appendage.

  “This is Reaver. He’s my oldest possession and dearest friend. He’s been with me through thick and thin, and saved my life and others more times than I can guess. He’s a longsword. You should always treat your weapon with respect. It will become an extension of who you are.”

  “Is that why you named it?”

  “It was thought to give it power. The first thing I want to do is find a sword that fits your hand and then I’ll show you the basics.” He spun the swords, warming up as he re-acclimated with Reaver.

  “Do I get to name mine?”

  “When you bond with her or him, you’ll know.” He set Reaver aside and led her to the row of swords. She lifted the broadsword with ease, mimicking his hold. With her hair woven into a thick braid, she looked like a warrior woman in training. The vision stirred his desire. Strong and beautiful, she was a woman worthy of a durable mate. The thought of her with anyone else made him snarl.

  She froze. “Am I doing something wrong?”

  Shaking his head to clear it, he stepped closer. “No.”

  You did everything right. It’s going to be a problem.

  Chapter Six

  KEETA

  “Call me Belle and dress me in a yellow dress.” Her eyes bulged as she stepped into the masculine space. Dar
k wood lined the two-story room full of books. Shelves were built into the walls, and there was a circular staircase. The center of the room was blocked off by wooden half walls that surrounded the perimeter of the bookshelves. There were more books than one human could read in a lifetime. I guess vampires don’t have that issue though.

  “Who’s Belle?” Crewe asked.

  “Oh, beastly one, your lack of pop culture knowledge leaves much to be desired.” She clucked her tongue as she walked over to the wall and ran her hand over the wood. How much history does this place house? A large, ornate table with matching chairs with red velvet cushions sat in the middle of the room. The decadent touches screamed wealth and power. There was a natural accumulation of money that came with living for so long. Logically she understood it, but seeing it in person blew her mind. As an antique lover, she was like a kid in the playground.

  “We’ve spent years gathering everything we could about the spell, and your family. It’s a mix of lore, historical documents, and spells.” He walked over to the right side. “This section, top and bottom floor, are dedicated exclusively to it.”

  “I don’t know where to start.”

  “I think it’d be best if you explored on your own. The books may react differently to you.”

  She nodded. Witches had plenty of tricks to conceal things. Magic attracted magic, and if things were made for her line, no one else would notice anything special. He moved to sit at the table and she opened the gate. The feel of potent magic rushed up to greet her like an eager puppy. These books had been waiting a long time to be found by someone who could use them. Her fingers touched the leather spines and her body began to tingle. They sang a siren call, luring her in. She couldn’t quite make out the lyrics, but they were compelling nonetheless.

  Closing her eyes, she basked in the magical feedback loop created inside of her. Like a flower after a week of overcast skies, she soaked in the magic. The witches who created this might be long gone, but their spirit and signature energy remained. She pulled a thick, black book off of the shelf. The silver buckles on the corner were patinated, but the spiderweb-esque embellishment was still visible. Two heavy latches with the same designs kept the book shut. Clutching it to her chest, she continued to walk the perimeter. They all sang to her in a different way, but this one demanded to be read first.

  Exiting the area, she made her way up the stairwell. It was like being amongst family. It restored her need for familiarity, and the kind of restoration that only came from being in the company of other magic wielders.

  The answer is here. Her gut and her guides spoke to her. The voice was so clear, she turned to the left, expecting to see a spirit.

  “Anything?” Crewe asked.

  “Yes. The answer is here. I’m going to start with this one.”

  She returned to the table and set the heavy book down gingerly. There were years of magic and knowledge in these pages. Brushing her fingers down the latches, she unlocked the hinges and opened the cover. Mardella Creighton had written her name in loopy writing. The year was 1738, and this was her first grimoire as an adult. As she read the other witch’s beliefs, she felt connected. She flipped through the pages carefully. Her eyes quickly scanned the writing. The boost from the vampire blood made the research go faster. She paused. Curse of Imbalance.

  “I think I found something.”

  “What?” He moved to look over her shoulder. “I don’t see anything?” He shook his head.

  “That’s because you weren’t meant to. Let me read it.” She cleared her throat, the dust from the book affecting her. “There is talk in the community of the balance between powerful supernatural beings starting to decay. Vampires are rumored to be able to handle more sunlight, and wolves play at changing at will. We believe something occurred to upset the balance. We don’t know when, or how to fix it. Research is necessary, but when we must hide, such is impossible.”

  “So, they knew?” Crewe mumbled.

  “It looks like it.” She continued to read. “They had more immediate concerns at the time. If they noticed it back then there’s a reason why it hasn’t gotten this bad until now. There must’ve been an intervention of sorts.” She continued to flip.

  “Does it say?”

  “No. Most of this is her spells, and family history. There are a few events she felt were important enough to document, but I don’t see more about the unbalance yet.” She shuddered as she skimmed through the panic that swept through towns looking to blame things they didn’t understand on witchcraft. Things weren’t perfect in the world, but people were able to live their lives as they saw fit.

  “If the books weren’t meant for us, why were we able to open them?”

  “Because if you open a book and find nothing of interest, you don’t continue to search. A locked book screams secrets. We’ve survived for a long time by remaining hidden. You should relate to that.”

  “Are you actually complimenting vampires?”

  “Drawing a comparison, but if it makes you feel better, sure.” She winked.

  He ignored her dig, but she could feel the equivalent to an eye roll via their bond. He wasn’t the iceman he appeared to be, he just hid his emotions, because heaven forbid he appear too mortal. An electrical surge swept through her body. She twitched as the image of a tiny brown leather book and a map etched onto leather flashed in her head.

  The feel of room temperature hands on her shoulders pulled her back to the present. She winced as her head pounded.

  “What happened?” Crewe’s voice dripped concern.

  “I think I had a vision. I saw a strange map and a small leather book.” She struggled to remember the details as the images faded.

  “Close your eyes and relax. Why was the map strange?”

  “It was burned into a supple brown leather, and it felt odd.”

  “Tell me why it was odd.” His voice was soft and soothing. She felt safe with him there.

  “It felt powerful. No … Magical.” She opened her eyes. “A magical map?”

  “Is it any stranger than the rest of what we’ve experienced?”

  “Fair point.” Her shoulders slumped as a wave of exhaustion swept over her.

  “Nakeeta?”

  “I’m okay. Visions take a lot.” Closing her eyes, she rubbed her lids.

  “Let’s take a break and get something to eat.” He squeezed her shoulder.

  “No, we don’t have time for breaks.” She pushed him away. There’d be no pitying the human who couldn’t keep up.

  “And what do you plan on doing like this?” He gestured with his hands.

  “I’m going to figure the vision out. I’m more than a vessel people can use to convey things. I’m going to do it on my own terms.” She rose. “I’m inducing a true vision.”

  “Now?”

  “It’s all about our main goal, remember?”

  His jaw clenched. “We’ve moved past that.”

  “Since when?”

  “I can feel how tired you are. I didn’t take you for reckless.”

  “And I didn’t think you’d become my nursemaid.” The inability to control her life compounded, setting her off like a firecracker on the Fourth of July.

  “I’m not the reason you’re upset.”

  “Now you’re an expert on all things Keeta?”

  “You know you can’t hide your real feelings from me.”

  Grabbing the wall between them, she slammed it down, imagining thick-paned steel surrounded by barbwire.

  “I’m almost impressed.” He toppled the wall over with a light push of his own mental strength. “Should I treat you like I do my men when they get insubordinate?”

  “I’d like to see you try.” She balled her fists.

  “You require a different tactic.”

  She tensed, preparing herself for his next move. He pinned her into the chair, gripping the wooden arms on either side. “You need a firm hand. I can respect an independent woman. You’ve been on your own for a lon
g time. However, this is over your head. If you burn out now, what chance do we have?” He leaned in and she shrank down in her seat, attempting to avoid his penetrating gaze and all-consuming presence. “I tried to keep this strictly business. But you insisted on cracking open my shell and climbing inside. Now you get to deal with the monster I try to kept leashed.”

  She swallowed and he glanced down at the muscles working in her neck. “My bond says you’re mine. Much like a sire, I feel responsibility and an emotional attachment. It’s been a long time since I felt that. When you endanger yourself, you agitate the beast. You saw what he’s capable of in my past. If you threaten your own safety, I’ll be forced to take drastic measures.”

  Her heartbeat kicked up a notch.

  “Do you want to find out what that means?”

  “I won’t be frightened.” She tilted her chin, refusing to cower before him.

  “What he’ll do won’t be scary.” He gave her a sinful grin that curled her toes and excited her more than it frightened her.

  She licked her lips and stopped. Do I want to know what he means by this? The dark glimmer in his eyes and the smirk were a silent challenge. I haven’t backed down yet.

  “Prove it.”

  His eyes flashed red and he moved a millimeter from her lips. “Be sure. I do nothing lightly.”

  “Now who’s hesitating?” she asked breathily.

  His lips touched hers lightly, the barest hint of a butterfly’s wing. He held her gaze, as they grazed hers again; longer, harder. Gripping his soft Henley shirt, she let him take the lead. He buried his fingers in her hair, massaging her scalp, and traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. She opened her mouth on a moan, and hummed as the taste of strawberries flooded her senses. Kissing Crewe was an entirely new experience.

  The essence of who he was flavored his clever tongue and skillful lips. The pleasure he felt was broadcasted across their link, doubling her enjoyment. He tilted his head, and she mirrored the movement as they both sought out more contact. Their tongues were caught up in a carefully choreographed dance as they tangled, caressed, and at times battled for dominance. Her body tingled, and her stomach muscles tightened. Pulling away, she sucked in a shaky breath, and he rested his lips against her forehead.