Rouen Chronicles Box Set

by Raven Steele

  “Personal space!” I shoved him back, but he barely budged.

  Luke growled low and placed his hand on Mateo’s chest, firmly indicating to back off.

  “This will only take a second. Relax,” Mateo said, his voice smoothing and calm. Something about the gentle sound made me melt into Luke. Luke relaxed as well.

  Mateo leaned towards me and ran his nose up my skin, inhaling deeply. He raised a lone eyebrow. “I knew there was something special about you.”

  He straightened and stepped back. The calming effect instantly left me and in its place came anger. “Don’t ever do that again.”

  “Or I’ll tear you apart,” Luke added, clearly just as upset by the emotional manipulation as me. Mateo hadn’t compelled us, but he had used some kind of vampire power against us, and it pissed me off.

  His eyes lit with amusement as if he hadn’t heard our warnings. “That explains how you managed to knock me flat on my back when we first met in the swamps.” He smiled to himself and lowered into the Queen Anne chair, facing us. “Angel, Samira, I forgive you for not telling me as soon as you discovered this.”

  Samira snorted. “I am not obligated to tell you anything, Mateo. Not anymore.”

  I raised my fist toward her to give her a fist bump. She glanced at it and looked back at Mateo.

  “You’re supposed to bump it,” I mumbled.

  “I got you.” Lynx leaned over and knocked my fist with hers. Smiling, she slid deeper into the couch and drank more wine.

  Mateo ignored Samira’s curtness and asked, “When is the last time you encountered a Komira?”

  “Over three hundred years ago.”

  Mateo leaned back into the chair comfortably. “A Komira. I would never have guessed she was something this powerful.” He turned to Angel. “When did you discover it?”

  Our eyes locked. “The moment I tasted her.”

  Luke stiffened, but didn’t say anything.

  “That explains why they want her blood,” Mateo said.

  “But it doesn’t explain why they want yours.” I looked over at Samira. “What’s so special about you?”

  Samira shifted in her seat, her face blanching. Her eyes found Mateo’s and something passed between them. He shook his head slightly, a motion I’m not sure the others in the room caught.

  “I don’t know,” she said, drinking the last of the wine in her glass.

  “Are you sure?” I pressed.

  “I’m an old vampire, which makes me more powerful than most. Maybe it has something to do with that.”

  “So is Mateo. And Angel.”

  She didn’t answer but kept her chin high. For some reason, she was lying, but I didn’t press the issue, assuming she had a good reason for it. I bet it had to do with the Kiss of Eternal Night thing.

  “Maybe you two should leave town,” Luke blurted.

  It was my time to snort. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  “The shifter has a point,” Angel agreed. “If someone wants your blood, neither of you are safe in Rouen.”

  “I’m with Briar,” Samira said. "We’re not going anywhere."

  “Huh, that’s twice in a week. I’m on a roll.” I grinned at her, and she returned it, just barely but the emotion was there. Progress.

  I folded my arms across my chest. “Then it’s settled.”

  “Good,” Lynx said. “I don’t want to lose my roommates.”

  Mateo undid the top two buttons of his black dress shirt and loosened his collar. “If you’re both going to be stubborn and stay here, then we need to find out who has your blood. And fast. If they want your blood, it’s because they either need it to experiment with people’s DNA, or they need it for some kind of powerful spell.”

  Several of us glanced at Lynx. Even I did, even though I tried to stop myself.

  She rolled her eyes. “Sure, any mention of magic and you immediately think of my family.”

  Lynx halfway sat up to drink again, a longer swig this time. I frowned. This wasn’t like her to drink so much.

  “Someone’s here,” Samira said and looked toward the front door. I inhaled, smelling smoked barbecue, the same aroma that had been at Fire Ridge.

  “It’s Vincent.”

  Angel, who was standing closest to the door, opened it. Vincent hurried inside, stopping when he saw all of us in the room. He shook his head, as if shaking off his surprise, then focused his gaze on me, his face was pinched. “Briar! I’ve been trying to reach you for the last two hours!”

  I pulled out my phone. Sure as shit. I had several phone calls and dozens of messages. “Sorry. My phone was on silent. What’s up?”

  He looked around the room, brows nearly touching. “I need everyone out. Now.”

  “Really? Everyone?” I asked, specifically referring to my roommates.

  “Everyone.”

  Samira and Lynx stood up. Mateo approached Samira. “Walk me out?”

  She nodded and walked with him past me. Had my uncle not looked so serious, I would’ve mumbled, “Breaker of Men” to her, but I knew when to keep my mouth shut. Most of the time, anyway.

  Luke brushed his lips over mine, making them tingle. “I’ll be back later.”

  He got up and followed Samira and Mateo out the door.

  Lynx disappeared down the hall, dragging a blanket behind her, and then there was only Angel left, standing by the door about to go through it. While my uncle moved to warm himself by the fireplace, I hurried to stop Angel. “Are you okay?”

  His hold on the door grew tighter, but he surprised me with his answer. “I am not angry about Luke, if that’s what you’re referring to.” He reached forward, running his fingers across my arm briefly before dropping his hand. “I told you, Briar. I will step aside for Luke for now. I understand my role in this.”

  “What role? Why are you always so cryptic?”

  His mouth tightened and regret filled his eyes. “I apologize. I say too much sometimes.”

  “You don’t say enough.”

  He sighed, shifting his gaze toward the darkness outside. “I am frustrated.” He looked back at me, his serious eyes burning into me. “Bodian Dynamics should not have your blood. You are too reckless.” He leaned forward, and whispered low, “I want to tear Cliff to pieces for taking what is yours.”

  I frowned at the contradiction of his words with his actions. So gentle with me, yet so violent with Cliff.

  “Be careful, Briar. You are not invincible.”

  I blinked, and he was gone.

  Chapter 20

  I stared into the darkness, marveling at Angel’s behavior. I hated feeling so conflicted around him, even guilty. There was no reason for it. I loved Luke. He was also my kind. Angel was a vampire. There was no changing it.

  “He’s right, you know,” my uncle said from behind me.

  I whirled around. “How so?”

  “Your recklessness puts your life in unnecessary danger. In fact, that’s why I’m here.”

  I groaned and dropped onto the sofa. “I’m always in danger. Comes with the territory when you’re good at making enemies.”

  “Someone knows!” he hissed.

  “Knows what?”

  “Who you are. Your real identity.”

  I sat up, my breath hitching. “How?”

  “I was visiting one of our less-than-reputable contacts up in the Northern Heights area.”

  “The ones who help smuggle supernaturals over the border?”

  He nodded. “They said they were just given a name of a woman in Rouen. Five hundred grand for whomever can capture her.”

  “What was the name?” I wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer.

  “It’s yours.” He paused. “Not Briar. Isabella Moretti.”

  I tried to suck in a breath, but it felt like the air had fled the room. Invisible pressure squeezed my chest. It had been a while since I’d felt any suffocating feelings. I grabbed at the top of my shirt and moved it the few inches it allowed away from me. I cl
osed my eyes, concentrating hard on opening my lungs, and began to count.

  “Are you all right?” I felt him sitting next to me.

  By the time I reached ten, I could suck in a breath again. I opened my eyes. “Do they have my picture?”

  He searched my face as if trying to decide how much I could handle. I must’ve looked better because he said, “They had two photos. One when you were a teenager, and another of you as an adult, but it was digitally-aged. However, the resemblance is uncanny. It’s just a matter of time, a day maybe, before someone recognizes you. Especially with your famous bartending skills.”

  Shit. I should’ve kept a lower profile, but never in a million years did I think anyone would figure out my identity.

  Before he could suggest it, I beat him to the punch. “I’m not leaving, Uncle.”

  He rubbed at the back of his neck. “If only that would help at this point.”

  “What do you mean?”

  He hesitated. “They know you have the Abydos.”

  I stared at him, doing my own version of Samira blinking while my mouth went dry. “Why would they think that? I don’t have it.”

  I glanced to the open doorway, hoping I’d see Lynx standing there with a bottle of wine. I could really use a drink.

  My uncle kneeled in front of me and pleaded. “I don’t know how they found out, but they did. You must let me and the pack help protect you and the blood. It’s the only way.”

  “But I told you.” I grit my teeth. “I don’t have it.”

  He groaned. “Stop it, Isabella! I know you know where it is. I don’t know why you keep insisting you don’t.” When I didn’t respond, he sighed. “I remembered something the other day. Rituals were performed every full moon in honor of the blood. As his daughter, you could’ve seen where your father kept the blood. He might’ve even shown you how to spell it to keep others from finding it.”

  “That’s not true.” It totally was.

  He took a hold of my hands. “Maybe I’m wrong, but I have a feeling you’re lying to me.”

  I yanked my hands free. “I don’t know where it is! How many times do I have to tell you?”

  He came to his feet, his face flooding with color. “Damnit, Briar! I’m trying to save your life! Trying to save the lives of everyone! Don’t you know how dangerous the Abydos is in the wrong hands?”

  “I do know.” I averted my eyes again, sighing. Maybe I should just tell him. Give the pack the responsibility of protecting it. Run away with Luke. Life would be so good.

  Except I still didn’t trust the pack. Maybe if it was just my uncle, I’d do it.

  “I’m worried for you, Isabella. People are coming for you.”

  “I can handle it. Besides, we’re going to find them first.”

  He scoffed. “What? You and a few vampires? Did it ever occur to you they could be the ones who want the Abydos? Vampires have never been trustworthy, and you are a fool to trust any of them, including your roommate Samira. She may help the pack, but it’s as an employee only, a job that pays her very well. Sometimes I question where her loyalties lie.”

  “Except she risked her life for me. She travelled to the Vatican to get the holy water for me.”

  “That’s true, but for what purpose? Sometimes someone’s actions may seem noble, but in the end, their true motives are revealed.” He lowered his head and shook it slowly. “I don’t know what I’m saying. I do think Samira is on our side, but I don’t know who to trust anymore. Someone close to you had to tell someone about your real identity. How else would they have known?”

  I leaned back into the cushions, considering it. He was right. Someone had to have betrayed me, but who?

  He patted me on my knee. “Think about my offer. And at least consider coming to live at Fire Ridge where the pack can help protect you.”

  “For now, I’m staying here.” I stood and walked toward the front door, hoping he’d follow.

  He did. “You may be strong, but even you know the blood would be safer with the whole pack protecting it. And you should trust me. I’ve protected you, even when pack members mysteriously show up dead in alleyways.”

  I exhaled a surprised breath. He was talking about Heather and Leroy. Maybe he’s the one who started that rumor about them running off together.

  I opened the door, stepping aside so he could leave. “And I appreciate that.”

  “You know where I’ll be.” He walked through the door, giving me a concerned look. “And please, Briar. Rethink this.”

  I gave him a curt nod. “I will.”

  He sighed, shaking his head, and closed the door behind him, leaving me alone. I inhaled several deep breaths. Someone knew I was here, the real me. Isabella. Who could it be? After trying so hard to keep my secret for almost two decades, someone found out who I really was. This terrified me.

  “Is he gone?” Lynx asked, as she stuck her head into the living room.

  I nodded numbly.

  She walked in and sat down, the wine bottle still in her hand. I took it from her and drank deeply. There wasn’t much left.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  “I don’t know.” I slumped in the couch next to her. “I thought shit had hit the fan before, but that was nothing compared to the manure my uncle just dumped on me.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Her words were louder and a bit slurred, making it easy to detect the slight drunk drawl in her voice.

  “Maybe in the morning.” I eyed her carefully. Something was going on with her. “So what’s up with you?”

  She let out a long dramatic sigh and flung herself backwards into the sofa cushion. “I’m still annoyed you guys wouldn’t let me come. And I know one of the reasons is because of my family name. You don’t trust me.”

  “Seriously? That’s not it at all.”

  “Everyone is always talking crap about my family. I know they aren’t perfect and my mother comes across as a power-hungry monster and has done some terrible things, but she’s my mother. She’s all I have.”

  I took hold of her hand. “We are your family, too. Samira and I.”

  She looked at me as if I was the dumbest person in the world. “Be honest. The second you figure out and kill whoever is behind the missing drugs and the crazy, robot supernaturals, you’re out of here. You’ve never wanted to make Rouen your home.”

  “That was before.”

  “Before what?”

  “Before you and Samira. Before Luke and Angel and Roma. Before the pack. I’ve met some amazing people here.” A realization washed over me. “Honestly? This is the first place I’ve lived in since my family was killed that feels like a real home.”

  Her expression fell, and her eyes teared up.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She finished the last of the wine. “It won’t last. Not after I come back.”

  “Come back from where?”

  Her eyes slowly met mine. “I have to leave soon, to train with the Ministry.”

  My eyebrows lifted. “What? Why the hell would you do that?”

  “Because I agreed to. They are going to teach me to use dark magic.”

  “How could you agree to that?” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. When she didn’t answer, I added, “I turned down being with the Ministry because I know how corrupt and evil they are. You know that too. So why would you work with them?”

  She jumped to her feet, swaying slightly. “I don’t have a choice!”

  She began to pace the room, biting at her nails.

  I stood up and stopped her. “What is going on? Why don’t you have a choice?”

  She searched my eyes, words stuck in her mouth.

  “Tell me, please.”

  “Because of you,” she finally blurted. Her shoulders slumped, as if the weight of her admission was too heavy.

  “Me?”

  “It was the only way I could get my mother to save you when Dominic had you locked up. I agreed to train with the Ministry, an
d in exchange, she would get you released.”

  I stared at her, aghast, and stepped back. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Because it wouldn’t have changed anything. I made a deal.” She gave me a determined look. “But I wouldn’t change anything! I’m glad I made the deal. I don’t regret it at all, but I’m supposed to leave soon so I wanted someone to know where I was going, in case …”

  “In case what?”

  “In case I don’t come back. Sometimes the tests can be dangerous. It’s what killed one of my uncles.”

  “Well shit, Lynx. You should’ve told me earlier.” My jaw clenched tight, and I began to pace with her. “Hell, no. There’s no way I’m letting you go. Not because of me. I’m going to change it.”

  “You can’t, I told you. It’s a done deal.”

  “Bullshit, I can’t.” I removed my phone and opened my text messages.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m texting Roma.” I typed quickly into the phone and hit send.

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m going to go see Cassandra. Tonight.”

  Chapter 21

  “You can’t go see my mother!” Lynx gasped.

  “Like hell I can’t.” I walked to the window and peered out of it carefully. Roma should be here soon. I hoped so because I was a little freaked out by what my uncle had said. Someone could be watching right now.

  I could call Luke to come back sooner, but I wasn’t a helpless maiden, despite how he treated me sometimes. Protecting those he loved was part of his nature. I wouldn’t take that from him, but I also wouldn’t unnecessarily feed the beast either.

  “You can’t do this, Briar. My cousins will kill you! My mother might help.”

  “Not when they hear what I have to say.”

  “Which is what?”

  I frowned and shrugged. “I haven’t gotten that far, but it will be good enough to call off the deal you made with your mother. Maybe I’ll offer my services or promise some kind of alliance with the pack. I figure she owes me after she tricked me into giving her the spot on the Ministry.”

  “Please don’t, Briar,” she begged. “It will only make things worse.”