Pure: A Paranormal Romance

by D. L. McKinsey

  “Other than to make sure you were safe, I’m here to find out where “here” truly is. The vampire kingdom’s location is unknown. I came to find you, so can you give me a clue to where this place is.”

  “In the middle of the ocean; inside a castle that’s cloaked by a dark witch.” I told him, thinking back to the moment when the castle first appeared to me from the beach. Jace’s face paled, if that was possible in his form. He definitely didn’t look happy with the information that was just given to him.

  “A dark witch? Do you have a name?” He pushed. Something flickered in his eyes, and for moment, I thought it was fear.

  “No, sorry, I don’t know.”

  The guard that told me about the blood castle was interrupted by Maximus before I could ask more questions. Jace pondered this for a moment and drifted a little further away from me.

  “You should also know the spell only allows the castle to be visible to vampires.” I figured giving him all the bad news at once would get him to deal with it faster. Whatever they had planned to help me escape would only work if they knew everything. But I still din’t even know everything.

  Jace didn’t turn to face me, and I knew it was because he was thinking. Worrying him like this was making me feel even worse. I had to get out of here before my friends come after me and make it worse for all of us. This wasn’t something I would share with Jace because he would only tell Seb, and Seb would go postal and would just try to get me out of here himself.

  “This makes things really complicated.” He finally muttered, turning to me. “We don’t have other vampires helping us.”

  I watched his ghostly figure drift through the room and fought back a laugh. I made sure he didn’t catch my reaction, but it was really strange to see to see him like that.. Jace coming here did manage to clear my head about meeting the King. I felt more at ease and confident because he reminded me that I was not only fighting for what I had lost but for the things and people that I stood to lose. All of a sudden, a light bulb went off. I knew what they needed do. However,I don’t think any of us was going to like it.

  “There is one vampire we know,” I said.

  Jace floated back to me with a curious look on his face. I made a face that I hoped looked innocent but it felt more like a grimace.

  “No!” he said, catching on. “No way, Ana. You can’t be seriously talking about the person I think you are!”

  “Who else is there?!”

  “Anyone but Kim!” He shouted.

  It was weird being yelled at by an apparition.

  “She’s only tried to kill you every chance she got.”

  “I know…”

  “Not to mention, she would say no instantly!” He raged.

  “Mayb…” I tried, but he cut me off again.

  “And we don’t know where she is!”

  “JACE!” I screamed to get his attention.

  He stopped floating and stared at me

  “To answer your first problem, she may say yes because Talon has been captured and is here as well.”

  He seemed to think this over. He knew Kim as well as me. If Kim was into some guy, there was nothing she wouldn’t do to keep him. She may refuse to save me but not Talon.

  “We still don’t know where she is?” he said, his hope fading.

  I placed a hand on my hip and gave him my best get-real face.

  “Come on, Jace. It’s Kim. She’s a hot vampire with no rules or morals. Where do you think she went?” I nudged.

  I watched as his expression changed from confusion, to thoughtful, until finally, understanding.

  “She went back to high school…”

  ***

  Catalina

  Gwyn deepened the kiss like she always did, forcing me against the wall in the small closet space. She tore her lips away to bring kisses on my neck. I wasn’t turned on at the slightest. My mind was lost in all the devastation that soon would erupt around me. The crown was so close to being mine, I could almost reach out and touch it. Everything was playing out in my favor. I had my father, brother, and Gwyn, the highest member of the council, in under the palm of my hand. And I was going to destroy them all and then some. I moaned in delight and Gwyn took that as a sign of excitement. It was excitement; just not the one whe was thinking. I couldn’t wait for the games to begin.

  Suddenly, the door burst open and a bright light spilled into the room, exposing them. Gwyn immediately jumped away from me and began readjusting herself. The fear of being caught was clear on her face.

  “Hello, ladies. Am I interrupting something?” Maximus asked coolly. He had a cocky look on his face like he just hit the jackpot.

  “What do you want, guard?” Gwyn spat viscously. She was using her anger to cover her embarrassment, and Maximus could clearly tell.

  “The King asked me to bring his daughter to him.” Maximus replied, looking over Gwyn’s shoulder to a smirking me.

  “Gwyn, I’ll see you at dinner.” I said, pushing past my lover and exiting the closet. Gwyn gave a stiff nod before dashing in the other direction. Maximus and I stared after her for moment.

  “Well, well, well. The evil little princess strikes again. Let me guess, you’re using her because of her position in the council or because she will soon be your brother’s wife and next queen.” Maximus taunted.

  He knew all too well what I was capable of. After all, three hundred years ago, he had his own affair with me.

  “Neither. Maybe I actually care for her.” I said slyly. I didn’t wait for his response and slowly walked away.

  “I highly doubt that.” Maximus remarked, falling into step with me.

  “You’re right. I don’t feel anything for her.” I said casually.

  “Then why toy with her. If I know you, you only do that if you have something to gain. So what is it?” Maximus urged.

  Why was I playing with Gwyn? It was not like she ever did anything personal against me. Gwyn used to be a lowly vampire assistant until she found her mate, Tony. Tony was a high council member, but he didn’t just hide behind a desk. He fought alongside the guards. It was noble but foolish. Not a year after mating with Gwyn, he was killed in a random attack by a group of vampires trying to get to the King. Every vampire reacted differently to the loss of a mate. Most just hype out and lose control. Gwyn became the opposite. She became ice; cold and distant yet determined. She fought her way through the council and to the top of the list of potential wives for Cassius while rejecting every male suitor that even attempted to get near her, including the prince himself. She only wanted to be Cassius’ wife, not his lover. Something about the cold vampire intrigued Catalina. If Cass couldn’t get her then I knew I had to simply because no other woman had rejected my brother. First, I approached Gwyn with an offer to be allies in making one of them queen. Then I began to seduce her just to see if I could. Before long, Gwyn was head of heels.

  “Because I wanted to see if I could and it was fun. But she has been somewhat helpful, too.” I replied.

  Maximus reached and grabbed my arm before I turned the corner.

  “You’re a nasty little bitch. You know that.” He snapped, and I only smiled.

  “Aww, Max, don’t be jealous. If you want to have fun again, my door is always open for you.” I purred, running a finger over his bottom lip.

  He smacked it away.

  “I’m done playing games with you. I did that three hundred years ago and lost my mate because of it. Now, we had a deal. I expect you to hold up your end,” Maximus whispered dangerously.

  I pretended to act confused; as if she didn’t remember our arrangement.

  “Oh right! I’ll lift the banishment of your mate, Cassandra, so she can be allowed to see her family again in exchange for you turning in your brother. Yes, how could I forget?” I said with a devious smile on my face remembering the time I surprised Max with a visit a few months ago. At the time, I was bored and wanted some fun, so I found the exiled Max and made him an offer to turn in his b
rother for his mate’s punishment to be dissolved. He was quick to say no and dismiss my offer, but a couple weeks ago, he waltzed into the kingdom offering to turn in the traitor. I didn’t know what exactly changed his mind, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to watch Marcos die and her so-called mother suffer.

  Maximus’ eyes darkened at my unfriendly smile.

  “Yes. I turned my brother in and more. Now hold up your end.” He demanded, squeezing my wrist.

  He may be older and stronger than me, but all I needed to do was remove one glove and it would be over for him. This was why no one scared me. No one.

  “You sentenced your own brother to death, and for what? May I ask? It has to be more than just to lift an exile.” |

  “I did it because I can no longer pay for my brother’s mistakes. And I did it for Cassandra; to win back her love.” He spoke honestly.

  I had heard the rumors about Cassandra hyping out and living life wildly. Apparently, she never forgave Maximus for his betrayals.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Love! Love! How foolish! All of you!” I gestured my arms widely. “Everyone does everything for love! It’s amazing how stupid you all are; my father, my brother, Gwyn, you, my brother’s mate, even my own mother! Everyone acts according to love. And you want to know what? They have or will fail because of it. And I will win because I love no one but myself.” I said venomously.

  Maximus could only stare at me; beautiful on the outside but evil and dark on the inside.

  “You better hope fate doesn’t ever give you a true mate because I’m sure he’ll make you suffer and you will learn the true power of love.” Maximus responded.

  I narrowed my eyes and crowded his space.

  “When you look back on this day and wonder how you failed to free your mate, blame it on love.” I snarled before turning on my heels and rounded the corner.

  I may have won this round, but I could feel the determination come off of Marcus in waves. He had already betrayed his brother. There was no stopping him now. This wasn’t over by a long shot.

  ***

  Ana

  “She went back to high school.” Jace said, drawing the same conclusion I already had.

  “Of course she did. Kim wouldn’t miss the chance to show off.” I added as I sat on the unused bed. It sank under my weight, and I felt air puff out of it.

  “Yeah right” He replied, lost in some thought.

  When his eyes connected with mine, the intensity made my stomach clench. His eyes were saying so many things at once, but none of it left his mouth.

  “Ana.” He began, coming closer to me. I stiffened “There are so many things I want to say to you right now. But I’ll start with why are you wearing a sexier man’s suit?”

  His question totally threw me off because that was the last thing I expected him to say. My baffled expression made him laugh, and after a moment, I did too.

  “It was this or a twenty pound medieval dress.” I joked.

  It felt good to laugh and see him do the same as well. But I couldn’t help but think of a certain half-smile I missed seeing.

  “You look beautiful; messy hair and all.” He added sweetly.

  I was getting ready to say thanks when I noticed something.

  “Uh, Jace, are you okay? You seem to be fading.” I pointed out.

  Jace instantly perked up and panic crossed his eyes.

  “Oh, no. I’ve been away from my body for too long. I have to go back or I’ll be lost.” His voice shook and he turned to make sure the cord was still extruding from him. He then turned back to me with sad eyes.

  “Ana…”

  “I know. I’ll see you soon. Tell everyone I miss them so much,” I said, holding back the tears.

  Jace gave a stiff nod and vanished through the closed window.

  I looked out into the black night but there was no trace of him. The more I thought about the moments I just spent with the Jace, the more I realized who I wanted to be my mate. I think I knew it all along, but I just wasn’t ready to face the truth. No one could ever compare to him, and they never will. I made a silent vow as I watched the small waves of the ocean. As soon as I left this place, I was announcing my chosen mate. It was time.

  The bedroom door bursting open shook me from my thoughts

  “I see you’re somewhat ready.” Gwyn snapped, entering the room in a skin tight green dress that hugged her curves and flowed past her feet. As beautiful as she was, I could still see the sadness deep in her cold eyes.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be.” I shot back, mustering up some confidence. I refused to meet the King like a scared puppy with my tail between my legs.

  Gwyn looked me up and down.

  “Interesting choice of attire. Follow me.” And with that, we were off.

  We walked the quiet halls and travelled down the spiral stairs until we eventually came to stop in front of a door. It was a big door, but I doubted a dining room was on the other side. Gwyn gave me a wary glance, but before I could question her, she pushed the double doors open and all but threw me inside. I was lucky my vampire reflexes kept me from tripping.

  Inside the fairly lit room, which was really an office, I felt a chill. I turned and came face to face with a man sitting in a huge chair behind a desk. He calmly studied me with red eyes. His unwavering gaze almost made me want to break out in a sweat. He looked to be in his forties and was dressed in a gray suit with not a hair out of place. I swallowed hard. This was the King. The vampire King, Ferox.

  I made sure to stand taller and push as much confidence to the surface as I could. Be strong, Ana. Behind him, I noticed something strange. I missed it at first because it just appeared to be a shadow, but looking closely now, it most definitely wasn’t. It was a person. She was dressed in all black. I assumed it was a woman because of the long black skirt, but I couldn’t be sure because the face was hidden by a dark veil. What the hell?

  “You look so much like her,” Ferox said, breaking the ice but not his eye contact.

  “Wh-What?” I could kick myself for stuttering.

  “When I first heard a kinetic vampire was planning to assassinate me, I thought it was rubbish,” he said with an accent that I couldn’t place. “But seeing you here, now, with those crystal blue eyes, it made me wonder how she did it.”

  He ended up looking at me expectantly. Was I supposed to answer that? I had no clue what he was talking about so I just stood there awkwardly.

  “From the dumfounded look on your face, I take it you have no idea how our past connects. Do you, daughter of Celeste?”

  When he said my mother’s name, I had to suppress my reaction. But the glint in his eyes was enough to for me to know he’d caught it.

  “Have a seat.” He gestured to one of the empty glass chairs across from him. I forced the nerves in my body to calm down and stiffly took a seat across from the vampire I was supposed to kill.

  “Would you care to know how your mother destroyed my family?” He asked nonchalantly, but his eyes were ablazed with anger.

  His words, however, threw me off.

  “My mother didn’t destroy your family. Your father destroyed mine.” I snapped back. This time, there was no tremble in my voice. I wouldn’t let him distort the truth like that.

  “My father only acted because of what your mother did to him.” He snarled.

  “And what was that?” I questioned sarcastically.

  He looked me right in the eye before answering.

  “She broke his heart.”

  ***

  Seb

  Run. That was the only thing I felt I could do. I launched from the small porch of Cora’s house and took off down the dirt road. Something strange was happening to me, and I couldn’t live in denial forever. Every day, I changed more, little by little. I was getting faster and stronger. I was more aware, and my senses were expanding; I could smell and hear things from farther and farther away. Even now, as I ran at full speed, he could still smell a fai
nt tint of Ana in the air.

  Ana. The vampire that stole his heart without his permission. She entered my life so fast and hard, I never had a chance against her. I closed my eyes, picturing her blue ones staring at me, reading me like an open book. The way she smiled made me feel alive. I would do anything to keep that smile on her face. I hated the fact that she was destined for another because, every day, I loved her more and every second. I knew I couldn’t stop fighting for her.

  I picked up my pace and could feel the heat burning in my legs from the force I was using to exert myself. I didn’t care about the pain. All I wanted to was to get Ana back and then figure out what the hell was happening to me.

  For some reason, Lily’s crazy theory didn’t seem too crazy anymore. I couldn’t even explain to myself what happened in Nexus. When those huge wolves showed up, ready to attack, my instincts took over and I simply followed them.

  But how? How did I acquire those type of instincts when I’d never been around wild animals my whole life? Suddenly, I was hot; too hot. My skin was burning all over, and I was sweating profusely. My knees gave out, and I collapsed to the ground, panting hard. My vision began to blur as darkness crept around the edges. All too soon, the darkness took over.

  When I opened my eyes, I was in the middle of a forest. Pockets of sunlight broke through the trees, and an unreal mist which almost reached my knees surrounded the ground. I frantically searched around, wondering where I was and how I got here. Low growls from behind me caught my attention. I snapped around, searching for the source but couldn’t find one.

  “Who’s there?” I demanded, getting into a defensive position.

  “I am.” A deep rumbling voice called back.

  I stared hard into the darkness behind the trees, trying to see who was back there; hidden.

  “Show yourself!” I spoke more aggressively this time.

  I began to hear the slow crunch of footsteps on the leaves and twigs on the ground. I knew before I even saw the strangers that there was more than one person because I picked up the sound of four steps. To my surprise, what emerged from the trees wasn’t a person at all. It was a humongous wolf; almost like the ones in Nexus, but larger in size, and as black as the night sky. The wolf pinned me with its fierce glowing yellow eyes. I had to force myself to stay standing.