by Britt Bury
Izel nodded in understanding. Her grandfather was a secretive man. If he bottled powerful potions, it was no surprise he trusted only Andrew with their whereabouts.
Hiking, once again, through the dark woods of Scotland, Izel thought of the last time she’d been in this same predicament. God, how she missed the Pookah. She’d had such a good plan before. Leave, stay out of trouble until she could undo the bond with Kelvin. Now what the hell was she going to do? She was officially out of excuses.
She wanted honesty, so he’d given it to her. She wanted a confession of his feelings, so he’d confessed. And the way he looked her in the eyes when he told her he loved her… she could hardly think past that. But how could she love the man who’d killed her father? She recalled the scar on Kelvin’s stomach, and realization hit. It had come down to him or James. All she’d heard about her father was that he was a fierce warrior. It must have been he who’d come so close to ending Kelvin…
Confusion racked her. Could she blame the Pookah for defending himself? Taking his rage out on the battlefield against his enemy? What would she have done?
Probably the same thing.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she walked behind Andrew. Nothing was simple. But by God, she would fix this. The Campbell-Kerr rivalry had gone on long enough. Yes, she wanted to find her own path, but maybe Kelvin was the salvation she was looking for. Together, they could end this feud and bring about peace. Finally the hatred could end.
And then maybe they could slide down a rainbow into a swimming pool of gumdrops.
No… she had to believe that there was a chance, even a small one, that all this could work out. She’d already come to terms with the fact that she loved the Pookah. But it was a whole different ball game now. With his little rant of honesty, she couldn’t simply turn her back and allow him to shoulder the pain she’d felt for the last few weeks. She had wanted him to try, and that’s what he’d done.
“Your time has come, human.”
“What was that?” Izel asked, looking around the dark forest.
“What was what?” Andrew stopped and turned to face her.
“That woman. Did you hear her?”
His neck twisted, and his eyes darted around. “I don’t see—” His head snapped to the shadows in front of them. “Imogene Zarr,” he whispered.
A woman in a bloodred cloak stepped into the moonlight. Her dark eyes glowed from beneath the hood. She eyed Izel but kept her distance, as if awaiting something.
“Shite.” Andrew withdrew his sword and dagger and pushed Izel behind him. “Flesh eaters near.”
Panic raced down her spine. Hadn’t Lennox said this Imogene Zarr was the Reaper?
When the shrubs before them rustled and stirred with movement, Izel gasped. A sickening creature emerged from the tree line, looking as if he literally had walked out of the grave. “Vampires,” Andrew muttered when nine more stepped from the darkness.
“Stay behind me,” he instructed her. With a speed she’d never before seen, Andrew leapt into action, gracefully swinging his blades, plunging into the fray of creatures. Blood and body parts began whipping past her, and she was relieved none of them belonged to Andrew. Gurgling sounds of dying creatures echoed through the forest, and the metallic stench of blood and sweat was everywhere.
A sharp sting ran across the back of her hand. One of the vampires had broken free of the crowd and had scratched her. The creature’s eyes were locked on her neck as he began circling her. She looked to Andrew, but he was still battling four at once.
Crap.
She was on her own. Picking up a fallen branch from the ground, she took a batter’s stance. The creature swiped his claws at her and she jumped back barely in time.
When he lunged again, she screamed and swung the branch, landing a hit on his jaw. The vampire scrambled back, holding the side of his face.
A frightening roar sounded in the distance and a smile slid across Izel’s face. She’d know that sound anywhere. Kelvin had come for her. His strength and speed were unmatched and she knew this, having witnessed it firsthand when he’d fought the Alp. Although she couldn’t see him, she knew he was sprinting faster than any other being on this realm to get to her.
Undeterred, the vampire staggered toward her again. Gripping the branch more tightly, she was more determined than ever to flatten this asshole and run to her Pookah. Nothing can keep me from him, she thought. Her heart surged with hope, with love. It warmed her, made her feel strong. She and Kelvin would live happily ever after even if it killed her.
The vampire struck out, lashing for her throat. She tripped backward and his claws raked down her chest instead. Screaming in agony, Izel fell onto her back, wet moss hitting her bare arms, hot blood pouring from her wounds.
“Rest, human. Close your eyes and let go,” Imogene spoke, a soothing sound that vibrated in Izel’s mind. The taste of copper filled her mouth as she lay helpless on the ground. She could only watch as the vampire licked at his blood-soaked hands while eyeing her as one would one’s last supper.
Izel forced herself to stay conscious. She couldn’t bleed out. Couldn’t die. No! She would not kill Kelvin this way, all because she was human. A warmth grew inside her.
“Izel, darling.”
Izel’s vision was foggy but her eyes darted around wildly at the sound of the familiar voice. “Grandpa?”
“Shhh. I’m here, child.”
She couldn’t see. Black dots spotted her vision. “W-where?”
“Within your soul, child. Your magic called to me. You are strong. I will always be with you. Have always been. You’d only to reach out to me.”
Reach out? Magic? Was she hallucinating?
“You are of sound mind, my child. It is my voice you hear. I am so sorry, Izel. When I cursed the Pookah, I didn’t know it would be you that he would value. I only wanted to protect you.”
Izel tried to speak but choked on the blood in her throat. She was dying. And soon, Kelvin will die, too.
“No, child. He will be spared. The magic I put over him came long before your bonding.”
So our connection is severed? I won’t be the end of Kelvin Kerr?
“He will live, Izel.”
Relief rushed over her. Kelvin would live. The world around her seemed to slow. She couldn’t focus on anything except the roar she heard growing closer. Kelvin.
“You are a miracle, Izel. I tested fate once with you. I thought knowing the outcome would keep you from harm, but all it has done is lead to this moment. Forgive me, child. Your fate is now up to you. Be strong.”
The deep timbre of her grandfather’s voice left her mind as easily as it had entered. She didn’t know how this worked. Could she be projecting magic? Whatever the cause, it wasn’t enough. Her eyelids were heavy with exhaustion. Life seeped from her and cold crept in. Before her eyes fluttered closed, she thought she saw Kelvin swinging a sword, hovering over her.
Dropping to his knees, Kelvin cradled Izel’s body against his. His eyes quickly roamed over her. There was so much blood. The scent of her, of himself, comingled, assailed his senses.
He placed a palm over her belly.
My woman and my child.
“Izel,” he choked on a sob. “Izel, love, look at me.” Her eyes shifted behind her lids. Obviously struggling, she lifted her lashes and he caught a hint of green as she tried to gaze up at him.
“There ya go. There’s my strong girl,” he cooed, holding on to every ounce of will he had. Rage boiled beneath his skin. A stabbing ache clenched in his chest, but he forced his hands to be gentle, knowing the slightest jostle could cause her even more pain.
“T-the woman… she’s… p-pulling me.” Her broken whispers were so soft he could barely hear them.
“What woman, love? There’s no—” He quickly glanced around and spotted the red-cloaked female. Kelvin’s eyes widened. “Death!”
Thompson, who had finally defeated the last vampire, stared where Kelvin was looking. T
he crimson cape swirled with the woman as she turned and ran. “Do no’ let her get away,” he yelled at Andrew. “She’s trying ta take Izel’s soul!” The Fionn sprinted after her, disappearing into the woods.
Kelvin looked down at his Izel. “She’s gone, love,” he whispered, gently tracing fingers across her brow. God, she was so cold.
With heavy lids, she looked up at him. “D-don’t worry. You w-will be all right.”
Kelvin frowned, then realized what she was saying. He wasn’t dying as she was. “Impossible. We’re mated. I will no’—”
She shook her head. “No. I… I won’t take y-you with me.” She smiled. “I… love… you.” Her sweet voice damply broke around the blood rising in her throat.
“No! No’ good-bye.” He didn’t know how this was possible. Didn’t know how their bond could have broken. Rage, fear, sadness engulfed him. Resting a hand flat on her stomach, he felt tears leak from his eyes and down his cheeks. “You have ta hold on, love. Do you hear me? You need ta hold on for me.” He gave a gentle squeeze at her belly. “For us.”
Her delicate brows drew together in dazed confusion.
“Aye. Seems there’s ta be another Pookah trying your patience.” His gut convulsed as he spoke the words. Although he knew her wounds were fatal, he simply couldn’t believe that she, his mate, lay dying.
And fate was cruel not ending him alongside her.
Her full lips were tinged blue and her normally pink cheeks paled further. “I-I’m sorry.”
“Shhh. Don’t you dare be sorry, lass. You just stay with me. I’ll fix this.” Tears spilled down his face as if from a busted dam. Throwing his head back, he screamed to the heavens. “Take me! This is my fault. Please, spare her! Take me!”
He noticed she tried to speak, but he couldn’t make out the words this time. Leaning his face toward hers, he pressed his lips against her mouth. “Please, love”—he sobbed against her—“do no’ leave me.”
He felt her slightly smile against him. Her chest rose on a shaky breath.
Exhale.
He watched, begging, pleading for the angels to take him in her place.
Her chest rose.
Exhale.
He knelt there, looking upon his female, his one true mate. The woman he loved more than himself, more than life.
“Izel?”
She was still.
“No,” He stared hard at her, waiting for her chest to rise with another breath.
His eyes shifted over her wildly. He cupped her face in his palms. Cold.
“No!” He leaned in, grasping her nape, yanking her face to his. The moisture from his eyes drenched her cheeks as he nuzzled his nose against her forehead. He cradled her lifeless body in his arms, rocking back and forth.
“I know you hear me, you cowards!” He yelled at the sky, clutching Izel close. The angels chose not to respond. Why should they? It was he who was to blame. His mere existence had cursed her and he hadn’t protected her. He had failed her.
Kelvin barely heard the footsteps behind him. “Is she…?” Thompson was looking over his shoulder. For a brief moment, he wanted to slash the Fionn from hip to sternum for not doing a better job of keeping her safe. But once again, Kelvin knew he couldn’t blame anyone but himself.
“My mate.” He continued rocking with her, croaking on the words. “Everything I cherish… gone.”
He heard the Fionn’s sharp inhale. “Oh no… Euan,” Andrew said.
Kelvin glared over his shoulder at Thompson. How dare the Fionn speak of the Mystic while he sat here, holding his dead female! “I know! I know I cursed her! I read the sodding book!”
“No,” Andrew responded in a dazed tone. “I was there the night she was born,” he glanced at Izel. “The same night you killed Jimmy.”
Aye. Kelvin remembered that night well. He had warred against James Campbell for over a millennium. But the last time he’d met him on the battlefield, Kelvin had finally walked away the victor. If he’d only known his actions would plague his female with hurt.
“This is Euan’s curse at work,” Andrew admitted. “Euan’s curse over you.”
Kelvin’s brows drew as he looked at the Fionn. “What?”
“James was Euan’s only son, and when you killed him, he placed a hex on you. For you to lose”—his voice strained—“that which you most cherish.”
Kelvin’s eyes widened. Twenty-five years ago, that fucking Mystic had unknowingly set into motion the forces that would cause his own granddaughter’s death. Since it had been bestowed before Kelvin mated Izel, the curse took precedence.
Now I am alive and she is dead.
A strangled wail escaped his chest as Kelvin bellowed against the darkness.
The blood in his veins heated another degree. He couldn’t accept this. He wouldn’t. With Izel secured in his arms, he rose to his feet, turning to fully face the Fionn.
“I’m taking her with me. I’m gonna save her, bring her back.”
“Pookah, there’s no way. She’s gone.”
“No!” he fired back through gritted teeth. “The witch I have… she can help. She will restore her life.” He was clinging to the last bit of hope he had. If Ryo couldn’t save his female, Kelvin would follow her into the afterlife on his own.
“I cannot allow you to take her.”
“I’m no’ asking, Fionn.” He glared at Thompson. Blood dripped from two small puncture wounds at his neck, and Kelvin realized the Fionn was not completely coherent.
“She belongs with her clan, buried in the Campbell plot.”
“She belongs with me!” Kelvin barked.
Thompson’s glossy eyes raked over Izel. “She’s our chief, and she deserves a proper burial with her kind. If you take her now I will assemble my men to come for her.”
“Do what you want, Fionn. This night, she goes with me. Now step aside.”
Andrew gave a final challenging look, but whatever he saw in Kelvin’s eyes made him move. “I will be seeing you soon, Pookah.”
With the lifeless body of his mate pressed against his chest, Kelvin took off, sprinting headlong for his castle.
Chapter 31
Ryo shot up in bed. She lifted her platinum hair out of her face with her forearm and glanced toward her open window. It was still dark but he was coming. She could sense it. She’d known this would to happen but had been unable to affect what she’d known was fated. Fate always got its way.
He was getting closer.
Ryo yanked the covers back, righted her pajamas, and stood several feet in front of the door waiting. She swallowed against the lump in her throat. Her stomach churned. She knew that what she was about to see would be horrifying.
“Ryo!” Kelvin bellowed as he kicked in the door to her chambers. “Bring her back!”
Ryo’s jaw went slack in shock, the air sticking in her lungs. The Pookah was holding the broken, bloody body of his mate—the last human. It was far worse than she’d foreseen.
She’d known this was going to happen, had seen the human’s death before Kelvin had. The prophecy was coming true, claiming the last mortal soul from the earth.
Euan Campbell, the stupid Mystic, was responsible for this. In his blind hatred for the Kerrs, he had unknowingly cursed his granddaughter—his sole heir—to her death.
I hope you’re happy!
Ryo slowly whispered. “Izel’s course of fate had been set—”
“Bullshite! Bring her back! There’s got to be a way.” Kelvin choked on his words. He looked down at Izel and Ryo saw a fresh tear run down his already tearstained, dirty face. He clutched Izel close. Eyes squeezed shut, he bent his head and clenched his teeth against the human’s bloody hair. “Please, witch… please. Bring her back ta me.”
Ryo’s heart hurt for the Pookah. Kelvin Kerr was one of the strongest immortals to ever walk this realm. He had seen centuries of war, endured countless injuries, yet here he stood, lost and defeated without his female.
The spirits had foretold t
his. Right after Kelvin had left that night after seeking Ryo’s help, she’d read the truth behind the “real curse.” However, prophecies, hexes, hate… all was vague for a reason. Ryo could do nothing, but Kelvin was a different story. What happened next all depended on the woman Kelvin gripped in his arms.
Time to see just how strong she is.
“There’s something we could try…” Ryo looked at Kelvin. His stark eyes dared to show hope.
“Anything!”
Ryo held up her palms. She felt like she was trying to calm a wild beast. “I need you to listen very carefully. There is a myth, the tale of Ubore’. But this is beyond me. Only Izel can save herself. If it doesn’t work, then that’s it. Izel is gone forever. Do you understand?”
Kelvin nodded eagerly. God, she felt like an asshole. She was most likely giving him false hope, merely putting off the reality of the human’s death for a few days. But Ryo knew about the instincts of Pookahs. There was not a single story in history of how a Razorback who lost his mate coped, because the Pookah never survived long enough to share. A Pookah’s female was his heart, and he simply couldn’t live without it. It was their nature, and nature was cruel. Euan’s curse may have overridden the bond, but the moment Kelvin accepted Izel’s death, he would undoubtedly follow her.
Nevertheless she trusted the ancient spirits that had spoken to her.
“Lay her down.” Ryo motioned for Kelvin to set the human on her bed. “It’s been said that if a spirit still lingers within the body, there is a chance of survival. After the ninth night of feeding, the soul will be fully restored and rise.” Kelvin set Izel atop the mattress and Ryo hovered her hands over the girl’s heart. “But Kelvin, there are a lot of ifs.” She looked down at Izel and raised her palms over Izel’s body. After several silent seconds, she muttered, “Damn it, I don’t feel Izel’s soul.”
“No,” Kelvin rasped, “she’s still holding on. I can feel it.” The faintest hint of a smile touched his face. A look of hope. Ryo, once again, felt like an asshole. She had to try.
