Blood Twist (The Erris Coven Series)

by Bonnie Wheeler

  Once dressed, Braden felt a ripple of hunger lance through his stomach. He would need to hunt with the elders tonight. Other than that lifeless bird he fed on in Canada, he hadn’t taken in a sufficient amount of blood. Now that he was home and he had Liz to spend his nights with, he wouldn’t be dallying in the woods with nothing else to do. He would go out, drink enough to restore his energy, and come home to her.

  Glancing at the time, Braden was surprised it was evening already. He hoped to find Liz and bring her over to see his mother. The others would be able to tell they bonded, but not Brigid. With Lachlan gone, the magic that bound them and made her immortal was gone too. Other than his goofy grin and Liz’s blushed cheeks each time he pulled her close, his mother wouldn’t be able to sense they were any different. He wanted to tell her himself. It would mean a lot to her that he found his fate-partner while she was still alive. Maybe even have a damphyr ceremony that honored his family’s past and their future.

  He still recalled how amazing it was when he saw Lexie for the first time after she and Torin bonded. Although she looked exactly the same, the power that made their family special, emanated off her in the same way it did Endellion, Aileen, and Fianna. How it once did off Brigid. Calling it awe inspiring was an understatement. Knowing Liz now held that same power was humbling.

  How could I have feared she wanted Riley?

  His brother’s looks may have been more of a match for Liz, but Braden knew now that was the only thing Riley had over him. If Liz wasn’t a fan of his wardrobe, she could dress him any way she wanted. The idea sounded entertaining anyway. Clothing aside, there was one thing he was sure of, Liz loved him. When she grasped his hands and exchanged the pledge binding their souls, every single feeling she had for him swept through him like a sun going super nova. Incredibly powerful, he would carry the moment with him always. The sunburst tattoo on his shoulder would now stand for her – her burning intensity and the brightness she brought to his life.

  Liz cared about Riley, like he did, but she didn’t want him in the same way. It was relief. The hesitancy she had been expressing before now was something else. Although they grew up in different worlds, her life was still a hard one. Rejection was her fear and for good reason.

  How could her father have turned his back on her?

  Stepping outside, Braden swallowed dryly. It would be difficult meeting that man one day and not showing him the same lack of courtesy he showed his daughter. Never again would Liz’s father be allowed to hurt her, Braden knew he would see to that.

  “One flesh – made for each other,” he whispered. “Let no man come between us.”

  The sky had already darkened. Closing the door behind him, he noticed Liz’s Chevy was gone. Torin mentioned the vigil being held in Courtney’s memory at the school. The girl made it a point to trouble others, but she never bothered him. Although she had a thing for Torin and acted out a few of Teagan’s fantasies, for the most part, Courtney spent her time bothering Brooke and her friends.

  The night they found her body in the back field, Braden couldn’t help but grieve for the girl. Maybe she wasn’t the nicest member of Erris’s young community, but she had promise. It was difficult to say who she would have become if given time to mature. Although he knew that as damphyr, he would see a lot of humans come and go, it still struck him how sad it was for a teenager to die without having really lived first.

  The elders did their best to bury her and Catherine Barry, the animal control officer, properly just south of Chamberlain Lake. There were dense parts of the forest untraveled by humans where the two could be put to rest without discovery. Alec killed them so viciously. Although Hollywood liked lumping vampires and werewolves together with subtle differences, the two were definitely different species. The pack mentality of the pricolici was nothing like the nest he discovered in Vancouver or like his coven here in Erris. It would be impossible for any of them to coexist.

  Striding across the driveway, he was just about to check in on Ruby, when a familiar scent halted his steps. Tilting his head to the side, alarm heaved through him, causing both his eyes and teeth to shift. Carried on the breeze, a papery thin mildew tinted the air. It was subtle, almost unrecognizable, but he knew the smells of home and it didn’t belong. Having just spent twenty-four hours in Canada, he identified it immediately.

  Draugr…but which one?

  As soon as he thought it, the phone in his pocket buzzed. Looking down at the caller display, the number Riley had used to contact him appeared. Clicking on the text message, he wasted no time trying to second guess the meaning of the words.

  “Finally home to mother, I’ll drain her first, then onto Liz? Or would you like to sacrifice yourself on her behalf?”

  Giving way to his inner hunter, Braden lunged into the darkness, tracking his prey.

  33

  LIZ

  After getting directions to the school from Endellion, Liz headed into the center of Erris, hoping to find her friend. As she rolled past establishments with funny names like Moose Tale Grub and Ale and Moose Meadow’s Mini Golf, Liz couldn’t help but find the small town charming. Each storefront was painted a nice pastel with picture windows showcasing their goods. She could see why it was a nice vacation destination; the town was remote enough to not become overcome with tourists, but still offered a nice selection of shops and restaurants for those who enjoyed the small beaches and peaceful setting.

  Even the lifetime residents were clueless about the coven. Braden had told her that maintaining a well-balanced relationship with a few towns’ people was essential to not drawing any suspicions.

  Years before, they were able to escape notice by moving to different towns in and around Aroostook County and Nova Scotia, but with the growing population and the advent of technology, the coven was learning to adjust. Although most locals stayed out of their business, the coven crafted an image where it was understood they came from inherited wealth overseas. Not completely an untruth, even Braden said his father left enough money for him and Brigid to support themselves without any help from the others. The coven also invested in a small publishing company that primarily printed books authored by local residents that catered to Maine’s summer tourists.

  After struggling with her Aunt Bev to have enough cash to buy necessities and pay for her rust bucket Chevy, the financial stability centuries of life offered the others was more than she could wrap her head around. Maybe after graduating, she would go on to Northern Maine College and get a degree that could contribute to the family. Maybe even bring their company online. Regardless of what she did, she knew she now had just as much stake in the coven as Lexie and Braden did. She was one of them and she would do whatever it takes to keep them secure – whether financially or something more harrowing.

  Liz thought of the surprised reaction Endellion had when she opened her door. The power that bound Liz and Braden together was obviously felt by other members of the coven.

  With one look, Endellion instantly embraced her and whispered in her lovely Irish lilt, “Welcome to the family Love. There is an old blessing Donovan’s mother bestowed upon me that I now grant you. ‘May the blessing of light be on you—light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire.’ How hay I am that you and Braden will travel forth on your life’s journey together.”

  In that moment, Liz understood why Torin’s mother blessed her. Becoming a member of such a unique family was a godsend. They were committed to each other and no matter what the future had in store, they would stand together as one. As a member of the coven, she had more than just Braden forever, she had them all. They were her family.

  Liz was surprised when she pulled into the parking lot for Erris Central High. Erris may have had a limited population, but at least eighty percent came out to show their respects. She had to circle around the lot twice before she found a parking spot she could back her Cavalier into without being blocked in.r />
  As she climbed out of her car, a wave of love pulled through her, catching her off guard. Braden? Even across town, his feelings for her were felt.

  He’s thinking of me…

  She wasn’t sure how she knew it, but she did. It was like having a favorite song playing in your head, and turning on the radio, only to discover it was playing there too. Her soul was singing to Braden’s and he was singing back – they didn’t need to be together to hear it.

  At the entrance to the school, there was a long folding table with candles. Both teenagers and adults waited to get one. Liz joined the back of the line. Glancing around, she hoped to spot Lexie or one of Braden’s cousins. Some teens were huddled together by the front door, where someone had made a small memorial: flowers, stuffed animals and cards were clumped together under a hand painted sign that read, “We will miss you Courtney.” Against the other door, was another memorial for Catherine Barry.

  Alik – what did you do?

  Lexie’s stepbrother was a monster. It was still hard to believe that the teen ended both of their lives. Swallowing back the tears that seemed to be contagiously flowing from every person around her, she had to look away.

  It was tough knowing that Courtney’s friends and family would never know the truth. Although Liz didn’t know her or the animal control officer personally, she knew there were people in this town that loved them. When you lose a family member you need answers for closure. Unfortunately, the fact that a werewolf took them away couldn’t be shared. Even if it could, no one would believe it anyway. No, keeping Alik’s secret was the best interest for the family. At least he could never hurt anyone again.

  Liz just hoped the youngest Serov wouldn’t take his brother’s place. It was a miracle that Alik didn’t kill Lexie and Torin while he was at it.

  “Lizzie!”

  There was only person allowed to call her that.

  Looking around, past all the sea of strange faces, Liz saw her friend, tugging on Torin’s arm and coming in her direction.

  As soon as Lexie reached her, a stunned expression crossed her friend’s face. “How?” she asked, pulling a strand of wavy brown hair from her eyes. Lexie glanced from Liz to Torin and back, clearly elated.

  “It just happened,” Liz confessed. Her cheeks reddened. There was no point trying to play dumb. Having just soul bound themselves, they could tell exactly what happened between her and Braden.

  “Welcome to the family Liz,” Torin leaned in and gave her a hug. “I’m relieved my cousin has found someone as amazing as you.”

  “But you weren’t dreaming of him, were you?” Lexie’s green eyes widened in delight. “Were you keeping a secret from me?”

  “No, but we are now, at least I am,” Liz struggled to explain. “We had feelings when we touched, it was different, but really nice. Braden figured it out.”

  “Hey, Lexie!” a smaller Asian teen ran up, wrapping his arms around Liz’s friend. “I haven’t seen you in days. I’m so glad you’re here.” Dressed in black skinny jeans and an Armor for Sleep t-shirt, the wrists full of rainbow jelly bracelets set him apart in style from most of the kids milling about. “Can you believe how many people came out for Courtney? I didn’t think anyone even liked her.”

  Cian and Teagan were with him, an attractive girl too. From the way the honey blond was holding onto Cian, Liz assumed she was the damphyr’s human girlfriend and the one who didn’t know what they were.

  “Theo, Brooke, this is my best friend from home Liz,” Lexie said, making introductions. “She’s going to be moving up here.”

  “Oh thank God,” Theo said, looping his arm around Liz’s. “As long as you don’t take her back to Connecticut,” he said. “OMG,” his hands shot out, covering his mouth, “that means you have to be around her step-brothers – even the big one.”

  “Actually,” Lexie said, her face growing paler, “my step-father moved back to Connecticut and brought his boys with him. It’s just me, Mom, and Ella now.” Trying to explain, she stared from Torin to Liz, needing someone to help her out.

  “It’s for the best,” Liz added, “Dragos was a rebound relationship for Ruby.” Poor Lexie had always sucked at lying. She never learned to keep her white lies simple. “She deserved better.”

  “Oh,” Theo looked surprised, “well that is awesome. Hey, I didn’t get to tell you, I found Tomo. I was scared when I couldn’t find him, but he came home. His fur was a mess, but he was fine.”

  Liz liked Theo. From the way he dressed, she had a feeling they had some similar tastes. His obvious adoration of Lexie made him even easier to like. If he was cool enough to single her a best friend, Liz knew they would have no problems with each other.

  Brooke was smiling too, but in a weary way. The honey blonde wore a simple floral sundress with ballet flats. Glancing at Cian, she said, “You didn’t tell me that Lexie had a friend from out of town.”

  “I didn’t really have the chance. Braden has been trying to keep Liz to himself,” the dark haired damphyr replied, squeezing his girlfriend’s hand.

  Liz wasn’t sure what it was, but she thought she heard some hurt in Brooke’s tone. Maybe the teen worried Liz might develop a thing for her boyfriend or maybe she just felt out of the loop. Whatever it was, Liz would try to let Brooke know she wasn’t a threat.

  While Lexie chatted with her friends about school, Liz couldn’t help but feel like the guys were waiting for her to say something. She knew she couldn’t talk about becoming Braden’s fate-partner in front of Theo and Brooke. Still the way they watched her with their silly grins was enough to unravel her composure.

  She found it strange that the feeling of Braden being linked to her was thrilling even now. Each time she thought of him, she could almost feel what he was feeling. Whispered thoughts mixed with partial images made their way through her, what separated hers from Braden’s were the feel of them. Anything from her fate-partner felt solidly of him, his presence, his certainty about his faith in her and the life they now shared. She just had to tune things out and listen. Love and what? Worry? Worried about the owl?

  The dream…he’s remembering the dream.

  Closing her eyes for a moment, she sent out a simple thought to Braden. “Everything’s okay. Come be with me.” She didn’t know if their bond could work like that, but she figured it didn’t hurt to try. If so, it would be like text messaging via brain waves. She could save a ton on her phone plan.

  Speaking of phone, where’s mine?

  Patting her pockets, she realized she must have left it back at Braden’s house. Glancing up, she could feel herself redden when she realized his cousins were still studying her. From the mischievous glint of Cian’s eyes, she could tell he wanted to bust her butt about soul-binding to Braden. Teagan too, his smirk came with an eyebrow raise. Finally he turned his attention to Torin.

  “So, what’s new with the family?” the redhead asked, his tone almost a laugh. With a nod in Liz’s direction, “Any changes abreast?”

  “Shut up,” Torin replied, his easy grin was charming. “Why don’t you go find Braden if you’re so curious? I bet he’d wrestle that cockiness out of you.” With his build and dark hair, Liz could see why Lexie was hooked. Even if he hadn’t been her fate-partner, Torin was her friend’s exact type.

  “I think you’re jealous.” Cian taunted with an elbow to Teagan in the ribs. “If I remember correctly, you were boasting about your own charm when it came to the ladies. Looks like Braden beat you to the punch.”

  Rolling her eyes, Liz planted her hands on her hips. “I’m right here you know. I can hear what you’re saying.” She pretended to be annoyed but she liked them. Teagan was a flirt, Cian was a sweetheart, and Torin was a bad boy completely whipped by Lexie. She wouldn’t have a problem with any of them. It was like getting three new big brothers and the teasing that came with them.

  So they’re curious about me and Braden, let them wonder for a while.

  “Teagan, have you guys seen Ella?” L
exie asked, breaking up the jokes being passed back and forth at Liz and Braden’s expense. “I thought she was going to find you.”

  “No, I haven’t seen her all evening,” he replied.

  “Me neither,” Cian answered.

  Liz shook her head no. She couldn’t even tell when she last saw Ella. It was before she and Braden left for Vancouver.

  “Do you guys mind splitting up and helping me find her?” Lexie asked. “I hate to be the controlling big sister, but I just need to know she’s okay. She hasn’t been herself in days.”

  Yeah, since I asked her if she was involved with Nicolai.

  “No problem. The service isn’t going to start for another hour. She may have walked over to Big Wally’s with some friends.” Teagan looked at Cian, “You want to come? You owe me a coffee.”

  “Do you mind if I meet up with you in a bit?” Cian asked, turning to Brooke. “I’ll bring you back a shake.” From the way he looked at her, Liz could tell the two of them were going through something. He was careful of her feelings, but struggled with his own.

  “Actually,” Liz interjected, “If Brooke can come with me, we can search the school. I can spot Ella easily enough, but I don’t know my way around here at all.” Smiling at the girl, Liz hoped it would give them a chance to get to know each other. If she was Cian’s girlfriend, they would be spending a lot of time together. It was better to get past the awkward parts right away.

  “I’ll help show Liz around,” Theo chimed in. Poking at Lexie he teased, “Maybe she’ll give me some juicy details about you that you’ve been holding back on.” Wagging his brows in Torin’s direction, Theo grinned, “I’m still dying to know what a certain boyfriend is like in the kissing department.”