Secret Blood Ties

by Felicity Jordan

  “You know that I have the ability to bring people back from death. Here’s my theory. If we kill Mike soon, before the spirit takes enough of his life force to survive, the spirit might well die with him. I’m not sure if it’ll work, but from what little I and our advisors understand of spirits, there’s a good chance it will. Once the spirit is dead, I’ll bring Mike back.”

  It seemed a good idea to Apeo, but Essa looked horrified. “But – but you’ve only ever done that once! How do you know if it’ll work again? You have no idea if it only works for certain people, or in certain circumstances…”

  “I know.” Assa grimaced. “It’s a risk, but we do know for sure that Mike will die if we don’t do something.”

  “We’ll find another option, then. That’s too risky. You’ve got teams of people working on this. There has to be another way.”

  “If we wait too long, we might pass the point of no return. At some point, the spirit will have enough of Mike’s life force that it’ll survive his death. We’d be banking a lot on a solution that may never come.”

  “We haven’t even given him a chance yet! I won’t give up on him. We wait for the teams to think of something more certain.”

  “Mel… it’s not just you I have to consider. If the spirit goes out of Mike and is free to wander around, who knows what damage it will cause? This is bigger than just Mike’s life. I must think about everyone in the palace. If it comes down to a choice between sacrificing one life and losing them all…”

  “Enough!” Apeo stepped between Essa and Assa, restraining himself from shoving Assa away only with great difficulty. “She said no. We will hear no more! Leave us, now.”

  Aris wasn’t as restrained. He grabbed Assa’s arm and forcibly escorted her out, slamming the door behind her.

  Such a display could easily have gotten them both locked in the dungeons. They were lucky that Assa Cherki was more tolerant than most of the royalty Apeo knew.

  “She’ll come around,” Jake murmured to Essa. “She loves you. She doesn’t want to hurt you.”

  As much as he hated to admit it, Apeo understood Assa’s point. She couldn’t think merely of her sister; she was a queen. Apeo, though, was Essa’s mate, or at least as good as, even though they hadn’t gone through the official ceremony yet. He could think only of her.

  He held Essa’s hand, lost in thought. What would be the best way to save Mike? Essa was afraid, understandably, but Apeo wondered if she might not be thinking clearly. Putting their hopes in a cure that may never appear, that may not even exist, was probably riskier than trusting Assa’s ability to bring him back.

  “Where are you going?”

  Apeo turned back to Essa, having gotten up and headed for the door. “To check on the room. The sooner we have you somewhere protected, the better.”

  Instead of going toward Essa’s chambers, he set out to find Assa. Mike would rather risk death than languish with an evil spirit inside him. He would persuade Assa to do it, to kill him and bring him back.

  He only hoped that when Essa found out what he’d done, she would forgive him.

  Chapter 14

  Mike

  Mike was awake, though the healers didn’t know it. Evan had realized that Gali would sedate them the moment she realized he was conscious again, so he kept Mike’s eyes half-lidded, observing the healing ward quietly.

  “Just go,” Mike begged. “You can’t do anything here, restrained. Better to wander the halls, doing whatever it is you do.” He knew it was selfish, that it would be better for Evan to remain here where the guards knew where he was, but Mike couldn’t stand it. This was a nightmare. He was trapped inside his own body, watching Evan move him around like a puppet. He just needed it to end.

  “Stupid human,” Evan snapped. “I cannot leave you, though at this point I would do it if only to rid myself of your whining.”

  “Of course you can leave me! You left Mel.”

  “I left her because I had a willing host. I cannot leave this body without another host available for me, or I will die. No, first I need to pull your life force into myself. Then, when you are near dead, I will have enough strength to survive the journey out of you… and enough strength to kill you on my way out.”

  It was hopeless, then. Mike would die here, trapped inside his own head. Unless Melanie found a way to save him. He knew that there were dozens of people frantically working on it even now. Evan sneered at the thought.

  “Do not count on it. You are weak, donor. You gave yourself to me willingly, which makes your life force all the easier to draw out, no matter how you resist now. In mere hours, I will be strong enough, and you will be dead. I will have my revenge.”

  Mike had long ago given up trying to reason with Evan. The spirit was utterly mad, driven insane by long years trapped on Earth, unable to move on after the deaths of his family. It was sad, and in any other circumstance, Mike would have felt sorry for him. Now, he just wanted Evan gone from his mind. He didn’t care how.

  “Are you sure about this?”

  “It’s what he would have wanted.” Apeo and Assa came into view, engrossed in conversation. Apeo seemed to be trying to convince her of something. “Trust me, I’ve come to know Mike these past weeks. He would want that spirit out of him, whatever the cost.”

  Yes, yes, yes! Tell her, Apeo. He didn’t care how painful it would be, or how dangerous, he just wanted this deranged spirit out of him.

  “I’m not sure, Apeo. Mel was pretty clear. We can give the teams at least a few more days.”

  No, don’t you dare! He only needs a few more hours. Whatever it is, do it! Mike strained mightily to speak, or at the very least to give some sign, but it was hopeless. Evan had total control of his body. Evan was uncharacteristically silent; was he worried? Perhaps Assa and Apeo were onto something.

  “We don’t know how long we have, and we just spoke to the teams. They’re no closer to finding an answer. This is the right call, Assa. Essa will see that. She’s not thinking clearly right now. Don’t let her distress goad you into making the wrong decision.”

  Assa took a deep breath. “Alright. Alright, I’ll do it. Or – maybe you should. I’m not sure if my part will work, if I’m the one to kill him.”

  Wait, what? Mike wanted Evan gone, but if possible, he wanted to live. Were they insane? They had people working on this! There was still a chance.”

  Evan gave up pretending to sleep and started struggling once more against his bonds. “You people are crazy! You’ll be killing the host too, or have you decided you don’t care about him?”

  “I will do it.” Apeo looked like he might be sick, but he stepped forward, apparently determined.

  “Do you want me to have him sedated?”

  “No. I owe it to Mike to look into his eyes as I do this. He’s in there, somewhere.”

  Evan struggled fiercely, but he was too tightly tied for it to make any difference. Apeo grabbed his skull in strong hands, staring deeply into his eyes.

  “Mike, if this doesn’t work, I am sorry. Forgive me.”

  Then he twisted Mike’s head violently to the side. Mike felt something crack, and then the world fled.

  He woke up to the sound of soft voices. Why was he awake? Apeo had broken his neck, he’d been sure of that much before he’d died. Or had he died?

  “What’s going on?” Mike mumbled, trying to make his eyes focus.

  A gasp was followed by someone rushing to his bedside. “It worked,” Assa whispered. “I wasn’t sure there, for a minute. Is it him? How can we tell?”

  “Send someone to fetch Essa. If anyone can tell, it’s her.”

  “Ow,” Mike groaned. His neck certainly felt like it had been broken, but he could wriggle his fingers and toes, so he guessed that it wasn’t anymore.

  “Welcome back.” Apeo clutched his hand, which was still tied to the bed. “How are you feeling?”

  “Like someone just snapped my neck.”

  The Issa winced. “Yeah, sorry
about that. It was the only way to kill the spirit, at least the only way we know of. If it’s dead. For all we know, I could still be talking to it.”

  “Him. His name was Evan. And… I think he’s dead. At least, he’s not inside me anymore. What happened? Did you… did you kill me?”

  “I did. Assa brought you back moments later, but you were slow to come around. We weren’t sure if it had really worked.”

  It was all too confusing right now. Mike turned his head slightly, wincing as pain shot down his neck. “Is my neck still broken? Because it certainly feels like it.”

  Gali’s hands were on him, prodding and poking. “It’s not broken anymore, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it hurts for a while. Whatever Assa did mended the bone, but there’s probably still a lot of internal bruising.”

  Mike started to nod in relief, then stopped, because that hurt. Barely a few minutes later, his restraints had just been removed when Melanie ran in, followed by Aris and Jake.

  “Mike!” She ran to his side, grabbing his hands in hers. “They said the spirit is out of you?”

  “It is.” He pulled her closer so that he could kiss her without straining his neck. “Assa and Issa Apeo saved me.”

  Melanie slowly turned to her sister and Apeo. “You did it, didn’t you?”

  “I did.” Assa held her head high and didn’t break her sister’s gaze. “I decided it was the right thing to do, for everyone.”

  “No, Assa, you do not need to take the blame for me,” Apeo said softly. “Essa, I persuaded her to do it. I knew it was what Mike would have wanted, and it was the best chance of saving him.”

  Betrayal and hurt flashed across Melanie’s face. “You went behind my back.”

  “Yes.” Apeo offered no excuses, nor did he apologize. Mike supposed no one in their right mind would be sorry, since it had worked, and Evan was dead.

  He sought to defend the prince. “Melanie, he was right. I know you don’t remember what it was like, but… it was hell. I can’t even begin to describe it. I would rather have died than continued to live like that. Apeo did the right thing, and I’m grateful.”

  She nodded in acknowledgement of his words, but he could tell that she was still hurt and upset. “That will be all, Issa, thank you.” Melanie’s voice was cold and aloof as she addressed Apeo.

  Mike felt a flash of annoyance as he watched sadness wash over the prince’s face. Yes, Melanie had the right to be hurt, but dismissing him like that – like a misbehaving child – was uncalled for.

  “Yes, Essa,” he murmured, and left.

  Melanie looked like she’d very much like to dismiss Assa too, but she had no authority over the queen, so she settled for glaring at her. Aris quietly left the room, presumably to talk to Apeo. Melanie squeezed herself into Mike’s bed, and he gladly made room for her.

  “You should forgive Apeo,” he urged. “He was only doing what he thought was best. He knew you’d be angry, no matter what the results, but he was willing to take your anger over your pain, the pain he knew you’d feel at losing me.”

  “I’m just glad you’re alright.” She rested her head on his shoulder, clearly not willing to talk about Apeo at present. Mike wasn’t giving up, though. He owed the Issa his life, and he knew that Apeo and Melanie were perfect together. He would make it his mission to see that she realized that, too.

  “Mike, you should rest. I can give you something to help you sleep?” Gali held out a mug filled to the brim with something brown and foul looking.

  “That’s alright, I can sleep.” He was exhausted. Fighting Evan had taken everything he’d had, for all the good it had done. “Can I go back to my rooms?”

  “I think you should stay here for tonight; I want to observe you.”

  “I’ll stay with you.” It didn’t look like he’d be able to pry Melanie off him, even if he had been inclined to try. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed happily.

  Jake sat down on a chair next to the bed. “Do you guys need anything?”

  They both shook their heads. Mike was simply glad to be alive and in control of his own body once more.

  “I’m glad you’re alive, Mike.” Jake squeezed his arm before getting up again. “I’d better go see Apeo.”

  Melanie snorted in annoyance. “Why are you all acting like Apeo is the wronged party here? Mike is the one who was just possessed by an evil spirit!”

  “Yes, and he has you to comfort him. Meanwhile, you rejected Apeo, after he took a huge risk for you. I know you have a right to be mad, but he’s still hurt by your reaction, and I care about that. I know you still care about him too, Mel. Take time to cool off, but don’t push him away forever.”

  Mike nodded discreetly. He’d make sure Melanie didn’t forget about Apeo. For now, he just wanted to sleep. With Melanie warm and safe in his arms, it didn’t take him long to drift off.

  He was pulled from sleep by a vicious nightmare. Angry spirits chased him through the halls, destroying everything in their wake. Mike woke with a gasp, his heart pounding. Melanie stirred beside him, and he tried to even out his breathing, not wanting to wake her. She looked almost as tired as he felt; his possession had taken a toll on her, too.

  The ward was quiet, and Mike closed his eyes, trying to shake the dream. It had felt so real. Of course, it was to be expected that he’d have nightmares after what he’d gone through. He did his best to put it from his mind. He wasn’t going to worry anyone over this. He’d had nightmares before, after Tiffany died, and those had faded eventually. These would, too.

  The next morning, Gali let him out under the condition that he come to her if he felt that anything at all might be wrong. Together, Mike, Jake and Aris spent the day trying to convince Melanie to give Apeo another chance. He was staying away per her orders, but everyone could see that Melanie missed him and wanted him back.

  “It’s just hard to trust,” she explained, leaning back against Mike’s chest. “And I did trust him, which isn’t easy for me… then he went behind my back. How do I get that trust back?”

  “You start by talking to him. Believe me, he knows he needs to earn your trust back. Apeo will have no problems with doing whatever it takes; you just need to give him a chance.”

  Jake nodded his agreement with Mike’s words.

  Aris had a grain of wisdom to add. “You must remember, Essa, that we were brought up very differently to you. Vampire royals are taught from a young age to do what is best in the situation, even if it’s not a popular decision. We know that in our time, people will die because of our orders, but that can’t stop us from pressing forward and doing the right thing.”

  “I guess not… You’re right, it’s very different. I suppose we’re all shaped by our pasts, whether or not we want to be.” She looked between the three of them. “Fine, I’ll give Apeo another chance! Happy, now?”

  “Very.” Mike tilted her head up to kiss her. “Come, let’s go find him. I think he’s in his room.”

  Jake and Aris elected to stay in the comfortable lounge they’d been spending the afternoon in. Aris was teaching Jake to play chess, something that he was fast taking to.

  Mike took Melanie’s hand as the two of them went in search of Apeo.

  Chapter 15

  Melanie

  Apeo looked up as she and Mike entered, a hesitant smile breaking out on his face. “Essa.”

  “Apeo. Look… I owe you an apology. You owe me one, too, you should never have gone behind my back like that… but I reacted badly. I was hurt and upset, but I know you were just trying to do the best thing for me. If you still want to, we can put this whole thing behind us.”

  He was at her side in an instant. “I would like that, Essa. And I am truly sorry for going behind your back. I can’t be sorry for doing what I did to Mike, since it saved him, but I should have gotten you on board first.”

  “You didn’t have time for that,” Mike put in. “If you hadn’t acted when you did, Evan would have gotten too powerful to remove.”


  “As Essa said, let’s put this behind us.” Apeo gently caressed Melanie’s cheek. She leaned into his touch, feeling her skin flush under his hand. She stepped closer, pulling him into a kiss, one that Apeo returned eagerly.

  A small noise had her breaking away to see Mike backing out of the room. “Where are you going?”

  “I thought I’d give you two some privacy.”

  “Nonsense. Join us.” She glanced at Apeo. “If that’s alright?”

  “Of course it is.”

  She was glad that neither Mike nor Apeo objected, because she had thoroughly enjoyed the last time with Mike and Aris together. Having two hot guys determined to bring her pleasure lavish her body with their attention at once? What girl wouldn’t want that?

  Melanie had had no small number of fantasies, and decided to play some of them out now, if Mike and Apeo were willing. Mike ran his hands down her shoulders as Apeo kissed her. Melanie’s desire was rising fast, and she shimmied out of her clothes, watching with appreciation as Mike and Apeo did the same.

  “Catch me if you can,” she whispered, scuttling to Apeo’s bed and diving under the covers.

  Apeo whipped them off at once, despite her attempts to hold onto them. “Gotcha. Do I get a prize?”

  “What prize were you thinking?” she asked in a breathy voice.

  “Let me show you.” He spread her thighs and started lavishing attention on her clit.

  Melanie’s gasp was swallowed as Mike kissed her. She gripped his shoulders, relishing the feel of his body against hers even as Apeo licked her with quick, experienced movements. This wasn’t going as planned. If she let them keep this up for much longer, she was going to come, and come hard. She wanted that, but not yet.

  Still, Melanie couldn’t resist delaying a few more moments, giving her time to stroke Mike’s cock. It hardened even further under her touch, and he groaned lightly, gripping her arms tightly.