Bad Blood: Bad Duology Book One

by Colt, Shyla

  “Goddess,” someone whispered as a wind tore through the circle, winding around their waists, tugging at their clothing and hair before it moved out of the circle. Her lips parted as a twisting wall of a whirling tornado obscured them from view. The scent of the beach wafted through the circle. Rain pounded the ground, forming a circle of water. The elements were forming walls between them and danger. Her gut clenched. A flame of fire sprang from the ground, burning bright and hot. She could smell the ash and smoke. The ground rumbled beneath their feet, cracking. A chasm formed around them.

  “T-the circle is c-cast,” Keeta stuttered.

  “I have never seen a circle so powerful,” Cian said.

  “We’ve been feeding this ground our energy and blood in preparation. It makes sense,” Rainer added.

  “Not just our blood,” Keeta reminded them. Is this what happens when vampires and witches combine their will? “Now we start our spell.” Keeta removed the vials of blood from the black backpack.

  * * *

  CREWE

  “Mein got.” The partitions of whirling winds, water, and fire sent unadulterated panic racing through his body. He started toward the barrier and paused. Amazement and excitement flowed freely through their bond.

  “They’re okay. Continue raising the wards,” Crewe called. There were thirty of them positioned strategically. A mixture of witches and vampires, working as one to keep the world from going to hell. It sounded like a teen sitcom. Yet, here they were. He felt the magic come up from the ground. Their blood soaked the grassy floor.

  The addition of the newcomers kept them bound to the cause and strengthened the spells. They wanted their enemies as depleted as possible, and those fighting beside them to be bonded by more than their word.

  Lightning streaked the sky. The color triggered memories.

  “Shit.”

  “What?” Cyprian asked.

  “We’re about to experience a gift that keeps giving like the plague. Those wards are about to be tested.”

  “You know who’s coming?”

  He snickered. “I have a clue. A Voodoo priestess with a grudge named Genevie.”

  “What’s her quarrel with you?”

  “My mate. And I can tell you now, she’s going to be swimming in power if she’s taking a chance on round two.”

  “That means she got her ass handed to her last time,” Silver said with a laugh.

  Grinning, Crewe nodded. “She made the mistake of underestimating Nakeeta.” He kept their history to himself. It wasn’t his story to tell.

  The wind kicked up, and creeping fog begin to trickle in.

  “Here we go.” Bang. Magic battered the barriers they’d set. He cracked his neck and took a fighting stance. The opposing magic felt wrong, like bugs creeping over his skin. Jittery, he glanced around at the others positioned around the area. Lavina stood in the middle beside Silver and Eoin, a Scottish vampire from the Elder Flame Coven.

  The burly, brown-haired man had a chest like a barrel and wild locks that framed his square-shaped face. With hands like hammers, it made sense that his specialty was strength. Not far away in staggered lines Merrill, Pauline, and Gunnar, their swift runners stood, ready to catch them unaware.

  * * *

  The members of the Coven of Liberty were a mixed bag. Vampires of various ages from the United States, they stood tall, lithe, and blond. With their dark blue eyes, high cheekbones, and cupid’s bow lips, they could’ve been siblings. Their maker clearly had a type.

  Their wards held. Illuminated by lightning strikes, the sky exploded with white hot streaks. Thunder rumbled, resonating through his chest.

  “I don’t know how much longer it’ll hold,” Fern cried. Freckles stood out on her pale face as her wild curls were ripped from their braid.

  “Ready the first wave,” Nair barked in a thick Scottish brogue. The lead witch from the Elder Flame Coven readied his people.

  Intense heat lines wavered in front of the barrier. The shield faltered. They saw the group amassed.

  “Steady,” Crewe called. Will the people I considered friends be on the opposing side?

  One last bang and the wall melted, like crayons under attack by a blow dryer.

  “Now,” Nair called. The powerful sleep spell knocked the first row of people off their feet. Bodies hit the ground.

  “First you run, and now you attack.” Dregan’s voice twisted his gut. “What should I expect from you next?” The sight of his men lined up behind his sire gutted him. Disbelief, disappointment, and confusion lined Louis and Pierce’s faces. The knife in his chest twisted.

  “You come here aggressively attacking us, and yet you question me?” Crewe asked.

  “You have my property,” Dregan replied. He was in rare form, clad in leather leggings covered in a leather suit, worn and weathered by age and battle. His blond beard had two braids and silver beads. He clutched his sword tightly.

  “She is not a thing to be owned,” Crew replied.

  “And yet she decided the future of all people. I can’t believe after all of this time you abandon me for a woman.” He sneered.

  “You betrayed us.” Crewe spat onto the ground.

  “The traitor has been dealt with.” Dregan’s blue eyes flashed to red.

  “And I’ve kept Keeta safe.”

  “Then why are we at opposite ends?” Dregan boomed.

  “Because you’re a fool,” a third voice supplied.

  Dregan jerked. A sword pushed out of his chest, and blood ran down the corners of his mouth. “I’ve had enough of waiting.” Niall kicked his body to the ground and lifted his sword, cleaving Dregan’s head from his shoulders.

  “No,” Crewe’s scream joined Morena’s. Men he’d fought beside rushed forward, slaughtering each other in the pandemonium that broke free. He wanted to rush forward, but his loyalty lie with the woman behind the wall of elements. His eyes watered.

  Morena was a ball of red flame, burning everything in her path as she fought to get to Niall. Sparks exploded from Dregan’s body as he burned. His past and direction went up in flames with his old leader. Swords clanked together, blood flew, and bodies hit the ground. The fog continued to creep up to waist level.

  Morena’s fire was extinguished as Genevie crept into view. Sputtering, Morena turned to face the witch.

  “I had hoped to settle this like gentleman. But I see now that won’t be possible.” Niall’s voice rang out from somewhere in the center. “So we’ll be taking what’s owed. We’ve waited in the shadows long enough. It’s our turn to rule. The humans squander their resources like the hairless apes they are. What has begun is evolution.”

  “It’s the result of greed, envy, and hate,” Morena barked.

  “I’m sad to see you think so, sister.” Genevie’s voice was thick oil, greasing its way over the senses.

  “I am not your sister.” A ball of energy exploded, knocking the dark-haired witch off her feet.

  “She wants to play.” Genevie landed four feet away. “I’m always up for a game.” She sent out a dark cloud of energy that turned into black cobras, fangs bared.

  Morena cut their heads off with a quick wave of her hand. With the mutiny finished, and the sides chosen, the true battle began. Bloodied and injured, but alive, Louis and Pierce joined him along with a handful of others. Niall had been planning this for a long time. How long has he twisted his own agenda, in the name of Dregan? The name made his heart bleed. I’m sorry I doubted you, old friend. I’ll win this in your name.

  “Last chance to choose the winning side,” Niall bellowed. Silence reigned. “Show them no mercy.”

  Show them the same courtesy they have shown you, a wicked voice spoke inside of him. Unlike his beast, this was cool and calculating. He embraced the witch. Yes, let’s show them … for Dregan. Allowing the instinct to take control, he lifted two witches off their feet. Pinning their arms to their sides, he twisted his hands, snapping their necks. They dropped to the ground, limp and useless
. Let the fire take them like it took Dregan. Two bolts of lightning struck the bodies, setting them aflame. The smell of burning flesh had never been enjoyable until now.

  He met Niall’s gaze from across the field. A tiny frame broke their staring contest. He recognized the deep red locks immediately. Lavina. Niall’s face flew to the left. Nail lines appeared across his cheek. Rage distorted his face into a grotesque mask. He turned toward her to find her gone. Using her speed, she took pot shots, taking her pound of flesh one slice at a time.

  Unable to look away, he tracked them. Blood splatter crusted onto his black pants and shirt. Niall moved to give chase. A bolt of power drove into his side. He turned to the left and Silver jumped on to his back, driving her teeth into his neck. He grabbed the back of her neck, and she morphed into a bat, flying away. Niall roared. Dirt exploded a yard way. Morena hit the ground, rolling away from the strike Genevie intended for her. Blood ran down Genevie’s face. Her black dress was ripped and muddied. Morena bled from a gaping wound in her side. Her black pants were ripped at the knees. Scorch marks were burned everywhere on her clothing. Her hair stood on end as electricity crackle down her body.

  Genevie spun her hands, gathering a ball of shimmering purple energy. Thrusting her hands out, she sent a roaring serpent-shaped blast toward Morena. Facing the energy down with unflinching energy, she stood her ground, chanting softly. At the last possible second a shield shimmered in front of Morena, and the magic returned to its sender. The serpent struck Genevie in the shoulder, sending her to her knees. Morena smirked and moved in for the kill. A petite, mocha-skinned witch jumped in front of her, as a dark-skinned man with glowing hands hid them in a cloud of black smoke.

  A strangled cry rang out. Crewe watched as Niall ripped Lav’s heart from her chest. Silver screamed and tore at his eyes with her claws. The vampires and witches continued to advance on them.

  “Looks like we’re almost up.” Cyprian strained to remain beside them. He could feel the vampire’s deep anguish.

  “He will pay, Cyprian. I promise you that.”

  “It’s how she would’ve wanted to go. Fighting him.”

  Silver flew away crookedly, wing torn.

  “Whatever you’re doing. You need to finish swiftly.”

  Chapter Twelve

  KEETA

  An invisible hand reached into her chest and gripped her heart. Gasping for air, she clutched her shirt. A bright white light exploded from the cauldron. Heat coated her. Pulled from her feet, all of her nerves fired at once, and she screamed. Drops of blood left the cauldron, coming together to form a map of countries suspended against air. The final drop joined the display, and a map solidified. The light brown worn leather glowed gold before it floated to her hands.

  Her fingers touched the edges, and fireworks went off behind her lids. Locations, latitude, and impressions of people flooded her brain. The map disappeared.

  “No.” Dumped onto the ground, like a broken doll, she sobbed at the barriers around them wavered. There’s no time. You have to call Kaz. Gathering what was left of their will and the power they’d called forth, she used Crewe’s knowledge of his location and sent the command.

  “Rise, Kazimir Anton Koziol.” Spent, she rested her head on the grass.

  “Why are you sad?” Rainer whispered.

  “I lost the map.”

  Rainer smiled. “No, it’s hidden.” She held out her hand, and Keeta took it, standing. “It’s a place no one can penetrate.” Her petite hand landed on Keeta’s chest. “Here. Call it forth.” Reaching into her chest, she pulled out the leather wrapped into a scroll.

  “We’ve done it,” Cian marveled. The others fell to their knees, breathing heavily. Channeling energy was exhausting.

  “They’re in trouble. I can feel it,” Keeta whispered.

  Reagan shook his head. “Once we lower that barrier, we’ll be sitting ducks like this.”

  Crewe’s distress led her to make an executive decision. “We take the energy amassed and use it for our will. Refuel us, guide us, and allow us to obtain our goal. So we will it so mote it be.”

  Vibrations shook their way up her body, sloughing off her weariness. Her ancestors wanted to restore the balance. They hadn’t left her yet. The fire burned an eerie green, and the smoke rising formed a shape. Seke? Clad in his leather breechcloth, buckskin leggings, and wolf pelt he felt as solid as she.

  “I will take the brunt of the battle when the barrier is lowered. Your people need help if they’re to survive.”

  “How are you here?” she asked, stunned.

  “I was wrong. The spirits listen when you ask for the right reasons.” The serene smile he gave her shocked her into silence. “Lower the barrier.” His eyes glowed yellow, and his body turned misty as he became the largest wolf she’d ever seen. The brownish-red beast came to her chest.

  Turning to the west, she held her hands up.

  “Powers of the West of Water we thank you for your presence here today for sharing your deep mysteries and intuition. Hail and farewell.” Seaspray caressed her face as the wall of water came down. She continued the farewell to each direction, feeling their acceptance of their thanks before they removed their protection. Heart pounding in her chest, she ended the ritual.

  “The circle is open, but never broken.”

  The shroud that hid them disappeared and they were left looking at their people. Dead bodies from both sides littered the ground. Crewe and Cyprian were locked in battle with vaguely familiar vampires. Witches battled one another. The stench of burnt flesh, blood, and singed grass and dirt turned her stomach. Seke charged forward, sinking his teeth into the vampire holding Silver down.

  “Nakeeta.”

  Harper limped toward her covered in blood. Her hands glowed with purple flames. Her eyes bled black.

  “You sold your soul.” Sorrow welled in Keeta’s chest.

  “You helped me with that.”

  “I may have started you on the path, but you were the one who chose to continue to walk farther.” The time for guilt had passed.

  “Is that what you tell yourself?” The flames in the palm of her hand grew, flickering wildly.

  “That’s what I know.”

  “Then we’ll have to reeducate.” She shot a fireball at Keeta who jumped out of the way.

  “What the hell are you?” Harper spun, tracking her. Fire flew in wild arcs Keeta avoided with large leaps. The cold feel of fingers in her brain made her falter. Distracted, she misjudged and landed wrong. Separated from the control of her bodily functions she peered around, seeking the source of the enchantment.

  “Did you actually think you’d bested me?” Genevie slinked in front of her.

  “I think someone might’ve beat me to it.” She spoke coolly as she examined the mental ensnarement, untangling it like a ball of yarn.

  Genevie grabbed her face, squeezing. “I’m going to enjoy hearing you scream. The only request they have is that you remain alive, not unharmed.”

  Popping the spell like a lock, she grinned.

  “Too bad you’ll be disappointing them” Her hand shot up. She grabbed her wrist, and twisted, bringing Genevie to her knees. “I think it’s time for you to experience the pain you’ve given to others.”

  Wolf and horse, old signs of might,

  Lend your strength to me this night.

  The pain and grief they so easily give,

  Must be returned so they can live.

  To know and feel what they have done,

  And change their ways, with harm to none.

  Send back the pain, teach them this night,

  And help them to do what they know is right.

  She grabbed both sides of her face as she chanted. Genevie froze. Her eyes dilated, and she began to scream. Releasing her face, she tossed the woman to the ground. Harper stared at her flailing leader with disgust.

  “Somnum.” She sent the powerful sleep spell to the distracted woman. Dark energy pulsed inside of her, making
Keeta wonder if she was in charge or being ridden by a dark spirit. Compelled, she bent, and placing her hand on her forehead she imagined a gold cord linking her to the darkness. Slicing the cord mentally, she considered her debt paid in full. Stepping over her prone form, she sped over to jerk the female vampire off Crewe.

  Hefting a blade, he matched Niall stroke for stroke, blocking and thrusting. He landed a blow to his arm, and she mentally cheered. The blonde vampire rushed her, and she ducked, flipping her over her shoulder. The shock on her face was nearly comical. The blonde hissed, and the beast inside answered. Keeta’s teeth lengthened, and she snarled. Show her who’s in charge. The beast had been challenged. She could do nothing more than answer.

  Launching herself at the girl, nails elongate, she slashed her chest and waist, ignoring the sting that ran down her arms. She spun to face her again. Nairthan came up beside her and slammed her down over his knee, breaking her back as he ripped out her throat. He spat her flesh onto the ground as she bled out.

  “Hate to ruin your fun, lass, but you’re too precious to be risked.”

  “Thank you.” He nodded. “Things are getting a bit hairy.”

  They were losing ground and stamina.

  * * *

  Pushing against each other, Crewe and Niall refused to give an inch. Rain pounded down on their heads, turning the ground into a muddy marsh. Shivering she took in the decimation. Clumps of blood, limbs, charred remains, and bodies dead and dying were strewn on the forest floor. The carnage sickened her. How many more times would this scene play out? If Niall had his way, this would be a way of life on Earth. Never.

  The cool caress of invisible fingertips drew her attention to a light fog rolling in. Seke bounded over to stand beside her, tugging on her arm gently.