As Elissa did her usual nightly chores, aided by Raven and her four pups, there was the other possibility. Was it Andrea speaking through Cassandra? Thanking her for finally accepting the truth. And planning on gifting her mortal with immortality once she was old enough.
Elissa smiled at the thought. She’d known she wouldn’t be alone as long as Cassandra was alive. Even without all the times the vampire had had to save her partner, she knew one day old age would take Cassandra from her.
Her thoughts once again caused Elissa to wonder why she had fought each time when Cassandra had asked for immortality.
Darkness. It was what Elissa had thought she was sparing Cassandra from. But if Andrea and Cassandra were basically one, then she knew without a doubt there was little to no darkness inside.
While Cassandra would be troubled with things like taking Devlyn’s existence, she would hold onto the light. She would be the perfect being to balance Elissa.
Elissa made her way back into the cabin. She was followed by one stoic wolf and four bounding pups. Once Cassandra was feeling better, she would allow the wolves into the bedroom with her partner.
When Elissa made it into the cabin, she heard the moans. Hopefully it was Cassandra healing or having nightmares. The low growls from five wolves had the vampire on edge.
The vampire momentarily froze when she realized who was standing with his hands around Cassandra’s throat. Elissa emitted a growl that would scare Satan himself.
Yohan froze. He turned to see red eyes glowing at him. There were five sets of yellow eyes boring into him. The man didn’t have time to react.
One moment Elissa was standing in the doorway. The next she was behind Yohan. She twisted easily. She was more than satisfied when she heard the crunching of bones. The body dropped to the floor like a fifty-pound bag of manure.
“Elissa.” The voice was strangled. Elissa forgot about the body lying on the floor. She sat on the edge of the bed and took Cassandra’s hands in her own. “Was that Yohan?”
“Was being the operative word.” Elissa removed her right hand. She began to gently probe Cassandra’s neck. “It doesn’t look like he managed to do any major damage. Your throat will be sore. What about your other wound the bastard inflicted on you?”
Cassandra swallowed hard. Her throat was beyond sore, but she could swallow. She moved her right arm. Her shoulder tensed a little as her new skin pulled a little. “Just a tad sore. No new damage.”
Elissa relaxed a little. “I’ll have to take his body to town when I bring Mr. Spinster the papers. That way everything can move forward.”
“I’d like that. I want to move. As soon as I’m up to traveling.” Cassandra pulled gently on Elissa. The vampire took the hint. She kissed her partner before taking out the trash.
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Elissa hated leaving Cassandra alone in the cabin. Sure her partner had the pistol, sword and five wolves to watch over her. But what if her health took a step back?
Even more hypersensitive than usual, Elissa was aware of her surroundings as she ran at her normal speed. She hadn’t wanted to take the horses for the wagon or Winnie in case Cassandra had needed them for whatever reason.
Yohan’s body was being dragged behind her on a crudely made sled. She didn’t care if the body was battered and bruised more than it was already.
There would have to be a meeting with the sheriff and with their lawyer before Elissa could return to her partner. They still had so much to discuss.
It amazed Elissa how easily Cassandra seemed to accept the fact that she and Andrea were basically the same soul and they had rediscovered one another. The vampire was still attempting to digest the information.
When Elissa began to see the first signs of civilization, she slowed to a brisk walk. There was no reason to reveal her true nature. Most mortals thought of vampires as their enemies. Not that she could blame them.
Keosauqua was bustling. It seemed more than normal. Elissa saw the twenty riders on various mounts. The sheriff was at the lead of the pack.
When the sheriff’s eyes met Elissa’s, she conveyed the need to speak with him. They’d only met once before. He said something to the men with him and made his way to the vampire. “Miss Elissa. I didn’t think we’d see you back in town so soon. Is everything all right?”
Elissa handed him the rope to the sled she had been pulling. “If you are searching for Yohan, you can call off the posse. Take a look in the bundle.”
A dark eyebrow rose on the tall, lean dark-haired man. His beard brushed the saddle as he dismounted his horse. It took a moment for the man to untie Elissa’s expert knots. “Well I’ll be taken out back of the watershed.”
It was Elissa’s turn for a dark eyebrow to raise. It wasn’t an expression she was familiar with. Then again, until the last few years, she hadn’t had anything to do with mortals.
“Care to tell me what happened.” The sheriff waved his hand. Two men took off from the remaining restless riders. “Take this heap to the undertakers and tell the boys their services are no longer needed.”
“Yes, Sheriff Yost.” The youngest of the two men made his way to the posse. The man who had spoken took the rope Elissa had given to the sheriff and began pulling the body.
“While I was tending the animals yesterday, Yohan entered our cabin.” The sheriff didn’t need to be informed of the identity of the other party. “I luckily entered in time to stop him from choking Cassandra to death. She’s still recovering from the bullet wound that bastard gave her.”
“I could ask how he died, but frankly I don’t give a damn.” Sheriff Yost gazed into intense azure eyes. “As a lawman, I should. But before he lit out after your niece, he was accused of rape by two of the women who work at the saloon. No one deserves that kind of treatment.”
Elissa nodded. It was the oldest profession. It was one of the most dangerous. With the people changing, it was even more dangerous now than it was in her time. “The only ones who might miss his company are men he promised money. Like that Julius fella.”
“He’s in jail.” Elissa’s dark eyebrow rose. “He and the bartender argued over his unpaid tab. The bartender didn’t reach for his rifle in time.”
The vampire had thought the old country was violent. This Midwest was proving even more dangerous. She wondered if the far west would be any less dangerous for Cassandra. “I don’t know of any other men he employed. It makes me rest easier. If only slightly.”
Sheriff Yost nodded in understanding. “Me and my deputies will keep an eye on things here. If we get wind something should involve you or Miss Cassandra, we’ll send word.”
“I appreciate that.” Elissa offered him her hand. The sheriff looked at it for a moment before accepting the hand. His brown eyes grew wide at the firmness of her grasp. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to stop at our lawyer’s and then the general store. Then home to make certain Cassandra is still on the mend.”
“Have a safe trip.” Sheriff Yost tipped his hat. There was a fine looking woman. She was sturdy. She’d make a good wife for any man on the frontier.
Elissa ignored everyone else as she made her way to their lawyer’s room above the general store. The secretary greeted her. “I have the paperwork Mr. Spinster dropped off yesterday. And I needed to tell him that Yohan is no longer a threat. I killed him.”
A gasp escaped the young woman. The petite redhead hurried to her boss’ door. Elissa couldn’t help but be amused by the young woman’s reaction to her words.
It didn’t take Mr. Spinster long to make his way to the doorway. “I’m afraid you’ve terrified my secretary. Do we need to worry about murder charges?”
Elissa handed Mr. Spinster the paperwork. “The sheriff already has possession of his body. He told me he didn’t care how the man died. So I’m assuming I don’t have to worry about murder charges. And Julius is being held for murder.”
“Well then.” Mr. Spinster scanned the paperwork Elissa had given him. �
�This is all in order. Once again, if I have any more questions or need of signatures, one way or another a message will be sent.”
The vampire held out her hand. “Thank you once again. And by the way, I killed Yohan in defense of Cassandra. Just to ease your secretary’s mind.”
Mr. Spinster laughed as he watched a confident woman stride out the door. The gunshot rang out as soon as Elissa stepped off the wooden sidewalk. The lawyer bolted out the door.
There was no sign of Elissa. There was a trail of blood. He followed it. As soon as he was past the villagers, the trail seemed to disappear. He glanced back at the village. Someone else had taken a shot at Elissa. And by the looks of it, they hadn’t missed.
Chapter 31
Elissa was breathing heavy. Though no need of breath, it was to help her calm. Her left hip stung like it had been stabbed by a hot poker. Someone had gotten under her defenses and she was now hobbling.
The prairie wasn’t the best place for her need to feed to be. There was more smaller game than large game. And the way Elissa’s energy was draining, she knew it was only a matter of time before her lifeforce was no more.
The vampire attempted to hold back her calls to Cassandra. Her partner was still healing. The last thing Elissa needed was her young mortal coming to her aid.
It remained one of her biggest concerns. As much as she loved Cassandra, she knew how easy it would be to lose control. And while the vampire now planned on gifting Cassandra with immortality, she wouldn’t do it until she was a bit older.
Every so often, Elissa would use a burst of speed. While she wanted to distance herself from Cassandra, she knew she had to be near. It was that double edged sword.
The sound caught her attention. Two men. Elissa wasn’t certain who they were. The vampire dropped to the ground. She didn’t want them to see her. Her ears strained to hear.
They were about half a mile to the north of her. They had to have come from Keosauqua. Were either the men who had shot her? Elissa couldn’t stifle the low growl that escaped her.
Something overcame Elissa. Was it the lack of blood? Was it the thought these men were behind her injury? The vampire couldn’t contain her animalist nature.
Using a burst of speed, Elissa was soon beneath the wagon containing the two men. “That bitch has to be around here somewhere. There’s no way I missed. I want to teach her not to embarrass me in front of the entire town.”
The Jones brothers. Elissa remembered Mr. Spinster’s description of the young man who she had attempted to teach how to handle a stallion. How many brothers were there? She held onto the back of the wagon. She would wait as long as she could before pouncing.
“Calm down, Jessie.” The voice was slightly deeper. He must be the elder of the two Jones brothers. “While I agree she needs to be taught a lesson, we have to do this the smart way.”
“Shut up, Billie.” Jessie moved in his seat. “Don’t start telling me what to do. Just because Pa is dead and you are the eldest doesn’t mean you can boss me around. I’ll get that bitch. Then I’ll get the girl.”
That was all it took. Elissa launched herself over the back of the open wagon. Two young men looked up. Dark and blue eyes grew wide when they took in her appearance. Her eyes were like fire glowing in the night. Her fangs were fully extended. Her anger was so fierce, her nails had grown as well.
“Neither of you will touch my soulmate.” Before Jessie or Billie could react, she slit their throats with her elongated nails. The lifeforce was calling her name.
Elissa struggled. She didn’t want to taste human blood. It was bad enough when she had to smell it. She knew if she didn’t feed she would no longer exist.
Finally giving into the animal inside, Elissa sucked every last ounce of blood from both men. As she lapped up their ugly blood, she felt the bullet lodged in her hip forcing its way to the surface.
The vampire growled once more as she felt the bullet burst forth and land on the wagon seat. Elissa took a deep breath. Without feeling, she shoved the two lifeless bodies in the bed of the wagon.
Elissa noticed the bullet. She couldn’t allow it to return to town. She shoved it deep into the frozen earth. She turned the horses around and with a slap on the ass, the wagon tore off toward Keosauqua.
It took a moment for Elissa to recover from what she had just done. It hadn’t been since…She couldn’t remember the last time she had fed off from a human. Sarah had been turned by Devlyn. She refused to add to the clan, much to her sire’s chagrin.
There was something else Elissa now faced. She had to inform Cassandra she had given in to her animalistic side. She had killed two human beings. Even if neither had very good souls, she’d still killed them.
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Cassandra cautiously made her way from the bedroom into the main room. She had managed to wash and dress herself in her long johns, trousers and button shirt. Her back ached a little when she moved just right, but overall she was feeling nearly whole once again.
The young girl was greeted by four overly exuberant puppies. Raven also wagged her tail at seeing her master out of bed. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to keep all you furballs. But I hope so.”
The four pups nipped around her heals as Cassandra made her way into the kitchen. She decided on making a small batch of oatmeal before taking a walk outside.
If Elissa knew she was going for a walk, there might just be an argument. Cassandra smirked at the thought. She knew who would win. But it would be wonderful hearing her attempt to argue because she loved her mortal so much.
Cassandra wondered how things were progressing in town. She opened her mind. She didn’t sense anything from Elissa, but they were separated by a considerable amount of distance.
Moving her oatmeal to the table, she gave each pup and Raven a little taste before consuming an amount meant for two people. She grinned thinking she must be better if her appetite was returning with such a vengeance.
After washing the dishes, Cassandra bundled up. She wasn’t certain what the weather would bring. Opening the door, the wolves all bounded into what little snow remained. It was one of those false spring days once again.
As Cassandra made her way toward the barn, she felt a little overdressed but didn’t want to chance taking off any of her layers.
Her walk took her into the barn where Cassandra checked on each of the animals. She made certain there was plenty of food, hay and water for each.
With light chores done, Cassandra decided to take a walk. She knew Raven and the pups wouldn’t be far. Still, she had the pistol tucked inside of her coat. She hoped not to have to use it, but would if need be.
Her mind wandered. Cassandra was still coming to terms with what Elissa had informed her of. She was Andrea. Andrea was her. Yet, they had lived in different eras. It made them different as well.
Reincarnation. It was something Cassandra hadn’t learned a great deal about in school. The bible would say it wasn’t possible. But she’d found a few things in the bible she disagreed with.
Maybe the next time they were in a larger city she could stop at a bookstore. Maybe even see if any of the catalogs had books she could order. It wasn’t a necessary cost, but with her father’s money, they didn’t have to worry about money quite as much.
The temperature was slowly beginning to drop. Cassandra glanced up at the sky. Even though the sun was hidden by clouds, she could tell it was well after midday meal. Elissa should have returned by now.
Making her way back to the cabin, Cassandra once again attempted to focus on Elissa. She felt something. She just wasn’t certain what it was.
Fear overtook Cassandra. Elissa was in trouble. While her vampire could handle nearly any situation, she wasn’t invincible.
After warming herself momentarily in the cabin, Cassandra added another layer of clothing before heading outside. She was halfway to the barn when she felt it.
The animalistic sensation knocked Cassandra to her knees. It was ov
erwhelming. It was like nothing she had ever felt. It was nothing like she had ever thought she would feel.
Raven was beside her. The cold wet nose nudging Cassandra’s cheeks. The pups were each vying for her attention. They thought this was a game. But not their momma, she knew her master had felt something that had literally knocked her off balance.
Cassandra continued to kneel for several heartbeats. It was so she could calm the racing heart inside her chest. Emerald eyes closed as another sensation hit her full force.
Regret. Cassandra wondered what it was that had caused Elissa to be so full of animal rage and have it turn to regret in such a short span.
Pulling herself up, Cassandra continued to the barn. She began saddling Winnie. She was halfway through when she sensed someone watching her.
Retrieving the gun from inside her coat, Cassandra turned. There was Elissa. Her vampire was not like she had seen her before.
While Cassandra had seen her several times shortly after feeding, this was so different. The vampire limped slightly as she moved toward her partner.
Cassandra didn’t hesitate. She placed the pistol back inside her waistband as she ran toward her soulmate. Red eyes glowed brightly in the dim light of day. Fangs shown with traces of blood dripping from them. Nails about an inch long also contained traces of blood.
Elissa held up her hands in an attempt to keep Cassandra at bay. The mortal would not be held at bay. She continued until she was within arms reach of her vampire.
“Elissa, what happened?” Cassandra maintained her distance as she saw the dark expression upon her vampire’s face. When she was met only with silence, she tried again. “Elissa. Tell me. Now.”
The vampire blinked red eyes. Elissa barely even realized she was standing before her charge. She stared into concerned emerald eyes.
“Shot. Jones brothers. Both dead.” Elissa growled at the memory of what she had done. When she focused on her mortal, she thought emerald eyes would be anywhere but on her face.
Bonded Souls Page 19
