TWISTED FATES BOOK 1: THE FIRST TWIST

by Jacklyn Scott Rogers

  I saw her invoke a satchel by using dark magics and hiding it in our bed; it was devised to trigger a recurring nightmare in Devon about how marking me would result in my death. And I saw the seeds of doubt she planted in Devon's head because of those nightmares. The doubts that made him fear marking me and ultimately deserting his pack. Dasha spun her elaborate web, and inevitably we all fell for it. Including me. I was the biggest sucker of all; I gave her my blood. The blood that allowed her to perpetuate my scent's illusion to attract Devon and make him her puppet.

  This was all too much.

  I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

  What I had been stupid enough to do.

  I'd had enough.

  I exited through the red door and returned to the corridor where Jay stood waiting. I almost fell to my knees; Jay caught me and held me close. I allowed myself to weep for Devon and me, for everything that was lost. "What did I do, Jay?" I sobbed.

  Jay cupped my face in his hands and gave me a chaste kiss on my forehead as he used his thumbs to wipe the tears streaming down my cheeks. "Shh, Sammie. You didn't know. No one did. How could you? I know you better than you think. You loved Devon, and you only wanted him to be happy. Dasha used your love for him against you. She was a jealous bitch. She fooled everyone, hon."

  Yes, she fooled us all, but dammit, I let her. I couldn’t believe how stupid I was just to throw Devon away rather than to try and fight for him. Hopeless or not, what I did was just as bad. I erased our bond from ever existing.

  I shook my head and held onto my best friend. "I love you, Jay... but I think I need to go back now. It's time I fixed this once and for all."

  Jay gave me a quick wink and directed me to a plain white door. "Well, babe, it looks like my job is done. This is where I leave you. As much as these little visits are a blast, I better not see you again any time soon. Now you get up there and kick that bitch's ass!"

  **********************************************************

  I awoke to the warm fuzzy feeling of a crowbar being swung at my jaw.

  "Fuck!" I snarled as I spat out the blood pooling in my mouth. "You are so going to pay for that, you bitch."

  "Awe, someone's awake just in time for the festivities." Dasha countered smugly.

  I looked around and realized that I was still on the roof of Jareth's hotel. Dasha had bound my arms and legs and placed me dangerously close to the ledge. I knew I needed to figure a way out of this. I wasn't sure if even with my vampire abilities, I'd be able to survive a twenty-four-story fall.

  Ish.

  I tried to break the binds around me but to no avail. Dasha glowered. "Good luck trying to free yourself, Sammie. I had those made especially for you, a little silver-Vervain mixture I thought you'd enjoy."

  "Let me go, Dasha! When Jareth gets back, you're as good as dead – "

  "Oh, Sammie, really? Do you not think I'm smart enough to deal with you and your bloodsucker boyfriend? Puh-lease ... this isn't my first time at the rodeo."

  I rolled my eyes, "How am I not even surprised. What's your end game, Dasha? I'm getting bored, and I don't have all day." I drawled.

  Dasha clicked her tongue and punched my jaw with her silver garbed knuckles resulting in a severe bloody lip on my part.

  I let out a maniacal laugh.

  "Is that all you got, Dasha? Keep hitting me with those little love taps, and I'm gonna get all warm and fuzzy thinking you're just going easy on me."

  My eyes glared at her as I spat the coppery fluid mixed with my saliva in her face. Of course, this resulted in yet another painful punch to my nose. I heard a sickening crack, and blood began dribbling down my face.

  I sneered at her as I licked my lips. Fairly sure the bitch broke my nose.

  Dasha did always detest being mocked.

  Chapter 26

  3rd person POV

  Jareth entered the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Caswell, Maine. It was a small town near the Canadian border with a mere population of roughly 306 inhabitants. The council had notified him that there was a disturbance in the area. They requested, or rather insisted, Jareth investigate why a group of vampires would be creating such a commotion in this small town. They were especially concerned since there was nothing of importance in such a remote region, which mostly forestry and a small town populous.

  No, something was off, and Jareth was well aware as his keen eyes scanned the building he had entered and noted how still the air around him was. Jareth stood in the center of the dilapidated warehouse in a defensive stance, ready to meet whatever came at him head-on. Just as expected, a fledgling vampire approached him, stopping a few feet away.

  "Hello, Jareth." It spoke, but Jareth was cognizant that the voice spoken was not that of the neophyte but someone else.

  "Hello Dasha, and to what do I owe the displeasure?"

  The fledgling bellowed with laughter, the psychotic sound reverberating throughout the building.

  "Oh, Vampire, you always were one for such candor, weren't you?"

  Jareth rolled his eyes, hoping to stop the incessant chitter and ascertain what dastardly plan Dasha was concocting.

  Upon seeing Jareth's reaction, the fledgling vampire clicked its tongue and huffed, or rather it was Dasha that had disseminated such rudimentary actions. "Fine, I can see that you are just no fun. Honestly, I have no idea what Sammie even saw in you, Jareth. You're just so ... boring."

  "I shall consider that a compliment coming from an ill-mannered witch such as yourself, Dasha." Jareth countered.

  "Whatever. I'm sure you're aware now that I have arranged this little rendezvous, especially for you. Your baby vamps are so easy to manipulate. Pathetic, really … but I digress. I do hope you enjoy playing with my little toys while Sammie and I get reacquainted again. It seems that she and I have so much to catch up on, and unfortunately, that does not leave room for you to interfere Jareth. It's a girl thing. I'm sure you get the picture. Well, gotta run. I'll make sure to tell Sammie hi for you."

  Instantly the fledgling was now in an attack stance. Any trace of Dasha had vanished. Jareth was a bit insulted that Dasha had only thought to deter Jareth with one mere fledgling vampire. Granted, fledglings are far more rabid than other vampires making their rage run solely on bloodlust and carnage, but one fledgling was inconsequential to a powerful vampire such as Jareth. No sooner had Jareth dashed to eliminate the fledgling vampire when several sparks were strewn throughout the room. Instantly Jareth was surrounded by at least a dozen rabid fledglings baring their sharp fangs ready to pounce.

  "Well, it appears that Dasha's magic was concealing quite a few more participants for this little soiree. I must say I'm quite honored." Jareth spoke into the ear of his first victim before he ripped the fledgling's head from its body, tossing it aside causing the approaching vampires to snarl at their opponent.

  Jareth's eyes grew black, and his razor-sharp fangs emerged. He let out a menacing growl. "I shall make sure to repay her hospitality," Jareth spoke.

  All at once, the pugnacious vampires lunged at Jareth ...

  **********************************************************

  Devon had been on edge since his meeting with the two vampires, Jareth and Sammie. An underlying current of restlessness was flowing within his veins, and his wolf Slade was more agitated than his typical temperament. Something about the female vampire had caused an uneasy feeling to stir, and Devon sensed that she felt it too. A faint familiarity and spark had occurred when she presented her hand as a greeting.

  Devon also detected the precarious tension between Dasha and the vampires, moreover so with Sammie to be exact. Both women left the meeting rather abruptly, but Devon had been able to hear the threatening words spoken between the two females. The fact that the female vamp had accused Dasha of trying to kill her seemed unfounded, and yet it didn’t. When that little minx asserted her dominance over Dasha, he couldn’t help but get aroused, which was not expected. He should have been protectiv
e of his own girlfriend, yet he couldn’t seem to summon the desire to do so. Instead, he and the female vamp’s mate sat idly by and observed the situation unfolding in front of them. It seemed as if Mr. Mickelsen was in no hurry to diffuse the problem but instead looked on proudly at his little mate. It seemed as if he, too, was aware of the two female's history. Only Devon had been in the dark, and he didn’t like it one bit. There was definitely something suspicious occurring between the three of them, and Devon wanted to find out what it was.

  When he returned to their suite, Devon had planned to confront Dasha, but she was nowhere to be found. As soon as he slipped into the bedroom, he noticed a small, folded note sitting atop the grey duvet cover addressed to him. It appeared that Dasha had some business to take care of and would return later on.

  Devon could feel an ominous air encircle him. His wolf growled.

  Danger.

  But he knew that Slade was not concerned about Dasha but rather the female vampire, Sammie, which only agitated Devon even more. He did not understand how his wolf would be aware of any danger and what connection that threat was with respect to Dasha.

  Mate...danger! Slade growled.

  Devon was shocked at Slade’s words. After all this time, his mate was nearby, and now she was in danger too. That certainly got Devon's attention. Slade had sensed their mate even though, for some reason, Devon had not. Immediately, Devon summoned Michael his Beta and Aiden his Gamma via mind-link. They had recently returned earlier to their respective suites on the same floor.

  Without even knocking, Michael and Aiden rushed into the suite. They gave a quick nod in greeting once they stepped inside the bedroom where Devon stood. Devon had just finished changing out of his Charcoal grey Armani and suit into a pair of running shorts and a tight-fitting black tee. He started pacing the room, trying to calm both himself and his wolf. His emotions were in complete turmoil.

  "What's up, Dev? Why the late-night rendezvous?." Michael asked his distraught friend and Alpha.

  "We need to find Dasha. I don’t know how I know, but Slade is losing his shit; the female vampire Sammie is in danger."

  Aiden rolled his eyes and acted as if he choked on air.

  "Whoa, man, since when do we give a shit about vamps and if there's some kind of trouble? Shouldn't you be more worried about your girlfriend instead of some bloodsucker? I mean, don’t get me wrong, She’s definitely a hot piece of ass. I’d totally do her. Pretty sure little Mike got a boner when he saw h– "

  Immediately Devon's large hand was clasped tightly around Aiden's throat, lifting him off the ground. "That vamp is my fucking mate!" Devon growled loudly, asserting his Alpha dominance.

  "Holy shit! Sorry… what? That can’t be right … can it? I mean a werewolf and a blo-excuse me, Vampire as mates? That’s crazy, Dev."

  Michael was quite taken aback by what Devon was asserting but kept his thoughts to himself for fear of angering his Alpha even more so.

  Devon released his third in command and addressed both his pack members. He sighed and ran his hands through his thick hair in frustration.

  "I don't get it either, but Slade is declaring that the female vampire Sammie is our mate and that she's in danger. We need to save h- "

  AAAGGGHHHH!!

  Devon howled and grasped his throbbing head, suddenly suffering from a piercing ache. Immediately his mind was bombarded with a multitude of images. It was as if a movie was playing in his mind's eye. The images were his memories but of another time. And at the center of them, all was a human Sammie Hunter. And she was his mate.

  Devon's eyes became black, and his wolf howled in pain, a dark awareness dawning on him. He needed to protect Sammie from Dasha, and somehow, he knew exactly where they both were.

  "We need to get to fucking roof now!"

  He ordered as he bolted out the room, followed closely behind by his Beta and his Gamma.

  **********************************************************

  Jareth stared at the strewn corpses of the fledgling vampires in his wake. Each one either decapitated or adorning a bloody cavity in their chest where their heart once resided. As he wiped the blood from his cheek, a solemn clap began to resonate throughout the building. He cocked his head to the side regarding his newest guest.

  Out of the darkness, a single figure emerged. It was a small child. A fledgling that couldn't have been more than ten years old when she was turned. Jareth regarded her petite form, her golden curls, and bright amber irises. To the untrained eye, this child wasn’t a deadly predator. Her innocent beauty camouflaged her true nature. But Jareth was aware of just how lethal she genuinely was.

  "I apologize for my impertinence. It appears that I have squandered your delightful party guests. It seems that you have gravely underestimated my abilities, Dasha."

  Dasha's voice resounded from the small vampire. "My, my, my you pathetic bloodsucker. Do you honestly think that I would waste my time worrying about a few cockroaches? No Jareth. Believe me, when I say the party's far from over. There are plenty more of those vermin waiting in the wings at my command, sweetheart."

  "Then why aren't you unleashing them upon me? Hmm? As you can plainly see, I've barely broken a sweat, and you are only delaying the inevitable. I can easily dispose of these pests as well. So let's not dawdle any longer, shall we?"

  "Jareth, you're correct in your assumption that I underestimated you. You have a great power that I find incredibly desirable. And to be honest, you’re appearance is such a feast for the eyes. One can only imagine how much of a beast you are in bed. No doubt, your talents are wasted on the likes of someone as pathetic as Sammie. How about the two of us make a deal."

  Chapter 27

  Sammie's POV

  I noticed Dasha seemed to be tensing up even more than I would have expected. She stepped away, and to the untrained eye, it would have appeared that she was just standing there in silence. But I could tell she was, in fact, communicating with someone telepathically.

  The question was, who?

  Not that it actually mattered, considering I had more pressing issues to contend with at the moment. Like, how the fuck was I going to get out of the confines of these fucking chains. I know normally, Jareth and I would have been able to communicate, but mass quantities of Vervain were weakening me significantly. The bitch apparently thought of everything. My wrists were both slashed just enough so that there was a slow continuous flow seeping from both of their wounds. To make matters worse, an IV needle was inserted into my arterial vein, slowly pumping Vervain through my circulatory system.

  Not trying to sound like a Debbie Downer, but currently, my situation wasn't looking so good. Honestly, if things continued this way for much longer, my survival chances seemed poorer and poorer.

  Ish...

  "So, tell me, Dasha ... is this all you got planned for me? Because gotta say, not that impressed. I mean, I expected something more, I dunno ... imaginative. But I guess someone who has to make-believe that they're a cheaper version of me, in order to attract some guy clearly lacks in imagin- "

  "SHUT THE FUCK UP!" Dasha shrieked as she punched me in the mouth, sending my head reeling against the rooftop's concrete barrier.

  I admit not the smartest thing to piss her off even more than she already was. But hey, what can I say? I refused to let the bitch know she had the upper hand.

  I began laughing hysterically as I lolled my head to the side. My vision was getting a bit blurry too. But I'll be damned I could still see that bright red hair. I always knew that color popped.

  Found Waldo!

  I know even in a deadly sitch, I’m still a nerd.

  I noticed something gleaming in Dasha's hand. She knelt in front of me, close enough that I could feel the heat from her stink breath as she spoke. "You know Sammie. I'll admit I could have done something with a little more pizzazz, but honestly, when you've done this as many times as I have, it just gets kind of boring, you know?"

  "W-what?" I looked at her
inquisitively.

  A small chuckle escaped her lips. "Oh, come ON, Sammie! Do you honestly think this is the first time I have done this? Oh, sweetie." She laughed like the cackling hyena she is. "You really don't get who you're fucking with, do you? I've been around for an exceptionally long time, you silly child."

  "But how can that be? I mean, yeah, your breath may reek like dirty old socks, but you look fairly young." I interjected.

  Dasha stood back up, huffed, and continued, of course not until after she slapped my cheek for being interrupted and the whole socks thing.