Moonlight Kin 4: Tristan

by Jordan Summers

  Izzy glanced down at the wound. The furrows were just deep enough to bleed. “You infected me like you infected Celina?”

  Mindy had told her all about Celina’s death. It hadn’t come as a shock, since Izzy had seen her friend’s spirit prior to the phone call. At the time, Izzy hadn’t been too surprised, given her friend’s dangerous lifestyle, but now she felt horrible for what Celina had gone through. Not only had she been used, but she’d been betrayed.

  “In a fashion,” he said, then pulled out a clean pair of clothes from his tote.

  The sense of evil emanating from him overwhelmed her. “Celina’s boyfriend’s name was Slade.” They couldn’t be the same person.

  His smug expression said they were. “Slade, Stone, I really don’t care what you all call me,” he said. “It’s unimportant as long as it doesn’t interfere with my mission.”

  Izzy clutched the wound. If she was going to die anyway, then maybe she could take him with her. She turned and ran for the water. The blood would attract the gators. With any luck, they would take Stone out at the same time.

  “What are you doing?” he shouted. “Come back here!”

  She ran faster. The branches and bushes pulled at her clothes, slowing her down, but Izzy saw water up ahead. This was it. She was almost there. Just a few more feet and the bayou would take her into its watery embrace.

  It felt like a truck hit her from behind. Izzy sailed through the air then landed hard, knocking the wind out of her.

  “I told you that you couldn’t get away,” he snarled and yanked her to her feet. “Don’t try anything stupid like that again, or I’ll knock you out and throw you through the portal.”

  Izzy tasted blood in her mouth as Stone dragged her back to the clearing. The leaves were swirling faster now, and the darkness at the center of the mass grew. Soon it would be big enough for them to fit through.

  * * * * *

  Chapter Seventeen

  Everly stared in shock at the phone in her hand. Had she just heard Izzy die?

  Izzy told her to run, but the guy had sounded serious when he’d threatened her friend’s life. What should she do?

  She glanced down and spotted the business card Tristan had given her. The thought of phoning them terrified Everly, but the thought of losing Izzy was even more frightening.

  Everly picked up the card and punched the number into the phone. It rang twice, then someone picked up.

  “La Fontaine residence,” the man said. “How may I help you?”

  “I’m—I’m...”

  “Is this a crank call?” he asked. “If so, you should know that we have caller ID.”

  Everly swallowed hard. “No!” she said. “My—my name is Everly. I’m a friend of Izzy MacDougal’s.”

  “Hold please,” he said.

  A strong male voice came on the line a second later. “This is Pierre La Fontaine. Whom am I speaking with?”

  “I’m a friend of Izzy’s,” she said.

  “You must be Everly,” Pierre said.

  She jolted at the mention of her name. How did he know about her? Everly pictured Tristan and swore under her breath.

  “Listen, I don’t have a lot of time,” she said. “I just heard from Izzy. She’s in big trouble. If I don’t meet her, she’s going to die.”

  “Where did she tell you to go?” he asked.

  Everly quickly filled him in.

  “You did the right thing by calling,” Pierre said. “Sit tight. I’ll send some of my men over to guard you.”

  “What?” Her voice rose before she could stop it. “I don’t need a guard. I need to get to my friend before the psycho she’s with does something crazy to her.”

  “He won’t harm her,” Pierre said.

  The deepness of his voice sank into her bones, making her body relax a little. Everly wanted to believe him. He sounded like the voice of authority, but the truth was she didn’t know this man, this creature. She wasn’t about to take a chance and risk her friend’s life, when she knew she could save her.

  “I’ve got to go,” she said. “I know what needs to be done. My path is clear.”

  “Don’t hang up!” Pierre shouted, but it was too late.

  Everly pushed the disconnect button and grabbed her keys. She didn’t know how long it would take him to notify Tristan or to get wolves to her house, so she had to hurry.

  “Hang on, Izzy,” she murmured, then snatched her gris-gris before running out the door.

  * * * * *

  Tristan was searching a few miles from the cabin when he heard the wolves howl. He knew what the sound meant. They’d found Isabel. His heart jumped then began to race. Was she alive? He couldn’t imagine that the Darkling would kill her—at least not on purpose or without provocation.

  His chest squeezed. In the short time he’d known Isabel, Tristan had discovered just how annoying and adorable she could be. Darklings weren’t capable of feeling human affection. What if Isabel had spouted off to the Darkling? Fear embraced him. He had to get back to Pierre’s house.

  Tristan had run a half a mile and was about to turn toward town when he caught Everly’s distinctive scent wafting on the air. The only way he could’ve smelled her was if she was nearby. What was she doing out here? It didn’t matter. He had to get back to town. The spicy scent faded.

  He took a few more steps then stopped. There was no reason for Everly to be in this area. Tristan sniffed the air. Her scent was faint now. He shook his head and snorted to clear his lungs. When he inhaled again, the scent wasn’t just faint. It was moving.

  There were only so many directions Everly could be going this far out of town. Tristan kept his nose in the air and followed her scent. Instead of heading toward New Orleans, it led him deeper into the bayou.

  Something wasn’t right.

  The howls came again. This time they were closer, but they were still miles away. Everly’s arrival along with the wolves couldn’t be a coincidence. Tristan focused on her and prayed to the goddess that Everly didn’t drive too fast.

  * * * * *

  A gaping mouth of darkness stared at Izzy. When Stone had said he came from a world without sunlight, she’d hoped he’d exaggerated. The darkness was so complete it swallowed the light.

  Izzy couldn’t spend the rest of her life in there. She wouldn’t survive. She glanced at Stone/Slade. He grinned now that the portal was open.

  He must’ve sensed her watching because he turned to her. “Are you ready to leave this horrid place?”

  “No.” Izzy stepped back. At least Everly had been smart enough to stay away. It wasn’t much of a consolation, but it was a small victory.

  “Come now,” Stone said. “Don’t be shy. There are a lot of warriors eager to meet you.”

  Izzy shook her head and ran. She wouldn’t get far, but she wasn’t about to make it easy on him. Stone caught her and swept her off her feet. Izzy kicked and hit him with all her strength, but he held her easily.

  “Let me go!” she cried.

  Stone had a bemused expression on his face. “You need to take a deep breath. It’s going to hurt.”

  Her head swam, and her vision dimmed.

  “Put her down!” The shout came from behind them.

  Stone turned, giving Izzy a clear view of Everly.

  “Get out of here!” she shouted. “Run!”

  But Everly didn’t run. She stood her ground, glaring at Stone. If she noticed the dark opening—and there was no way she could miss it—she didn’t acknowledge it. “I said, put her down.”

  Stone grinned. “I’m so glad you could join us,” he said.

  “You won’t be, when I get done with you,” Everly said.

  He laughed. “You think your power is stronger than mine?” Stone put Izzy down but didn’t release her.

  Everly smiled, flashing her vampire fangs, but there was no warmth in her brown eyes. “Not my power,” she said. “But the one who’s coming for you will be more than your match.” She hiked her thumb
over her shoulder.

  “He won’t get here in time,” Stone said. “Now be a good little girl and come with me.” He grabbed Izzy by the hair and dragged her toward the portal.

  She cried out in pain and struggled, but her resistance was useless against his overpowering strength.

  “No!” Everly screamed and raced forward.

  “Stay back,” Izzy shouted, but Everly ignored her and dove for Izzy’s legs.

  Stone pulled hard to break her grip.

  Everly held onto Izzy for dear life.

  Izzy felt like a human tug-of-war rope. “Everly, let go! You have to get out of here.”

  “No,” she said. “I can’t let him take you.”

  * * * * *

  Tristan saw the ash on the road before he found Everly’s car. He touched the hood. Heat rose from the engine. She hadn’t been gone long. He scented the area a second before the lodestone flared, indicating dark magic nearby.

  He rushed into the woods. Everly and Isabel’s scent appeared along with the Darkling’s foul odor. Screams and cries rang out. Tristan followed the sound, shifting into human form as he ran.

  The leaves parted and Tristan stepped out of the woods, clutching Selene in his hand. He stopped when he caught sight of what was happening. The lodestone pulsed again. Despite its strength, Tristan felt the Darkling steadily siphoning his power. He didn’t have much time.

  Tristan ran toward the women. He couldn’t get a clear shot at the Darkling without the possibility of harming Isabel or Everly. He swung the sword and caught the Darkling in the side. The blade struck true.

  The Darkling screamed in agony and staggered back. He dropped Isabel in the process. The move was so unexpected that Everly fell onto her back. She quickly scrambled away on her hands and knees. Isabel didn’t move.

  It was then that Tristan saw the bruises on her neck and the blood on her arm. The perfect finger placements around Isabel’s slender throat made the weapon used easily identifiable. A red haze covered Tristan’s vision. It had dared to harm what was his.

  Fear filled the Darkling’s amber eyes, as he touched the blood and brought it up to his face. He glanced at the sword in Tristan’s hand and put even more distance between them.

  “That’s right,” Tristan said. “This isn’t a normal sword. It’s made for killing your kind.”

  “I should’ve finished you when I had the chance,” the Darkling said, staying out of reach.

  “Yes, you should have,” Tristan said. “Go to your friend, Isabel.” He never took his eyes off the Darkling.

  “Move and I’ll gut you,” the Darkling said.

  “Tristan, stay back,” Isabel said. “He’s infected me. I’m going to die.”

  “I won’t allow that to happen,” Tristan said, glancing at the scratch.

  Pain filled Isabel’s hazel eyes. “It’s too late. Get Everly out of here.”

  “I will not be leaving without you,” Tristan said.

  Isabel sniffled. “But I betrayed you.”

  “That makes us even,” Tristan said, then shifted his attention back to the Darkling. “This is between you and I.”

  The Darkling laughed. “This has nothing to do with you, Kin. Leave now, and I might let you live.”

  Tristan grinned, flashing sharp, white teeth. “We know that’s not going to happen.”

  “Have it your way.” The Darkling held out a hand. Power flowed from his body.

  Tristan felt the first wave strike him. The pain nearly knocked him to his knees.

  “Come here, beast,” the Darkling said, crooking a finger.

  “No!” Tristan shouted, but it was already too late. The shift was upon him.

  Fur rippled over Tristan’s flesh as his beast rose to the surface. The enchanted sword dropped to the ground, useless in his paws. He threw his head back and howled in anguish. Others nearby mirrored the lonesome sound.

  The Darkling’s head rose, and his eyes scanned the tree line. “Time to go,” he snarled and grabbed Isabel, pulling her toward the opening.

  Tristan felt his strength drain. Being this close to the Darkling and the opening to the other realm sucked the life right out of him. He wouldn’t be conscious for much longer. Tristan leapt, covering the distance between them.

  He landed on Isabel, knocking her out of the Darkling’s hands. Tristan growled and snapped at him, daring him to try to take her.

  Isabel shoved at his fur to try to get away.

  Tristan didn’t move.

  The Darkling took a step forward.

  Tristan bared his teeth and growled low in his chest.

  The Darkling hesitated then kept coming.

  Tristan lowered his head and grabbed Isabel by the throat. He sank his fangs into her flesh where her shoulder met her neck. Blood filled his mouth. It was sweeter than anything he’d ever tasted. He swallowed as much as he could then licked the spot to seal the wound. When Tristan was sure the bleeding had slowed, he released Isabel.

  Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her throat and scurried away. Tristan couldn’t bear to see the pain of betrayal in her eyes. It hurt too much. But he held no regrets.

  The Darkling roared in anger. “What have you done? You can’t! She’s mine!”

  Wrong! Isabel was his. And he’d just proven it. Tristan shook his head to clear it.

  The Darkling snarled. “You think biting her is going to stop me?” He ran toward Isabel, who tried to reach Everly’s side. The blood flowing from his wound didn’t slow him.

  No! Tristan shouted inside his mind as he watched in horror. He tried to cut the Darkling off, but he was too weak to catch him.

  Tristan staggered forward. He wasn’t going to make it.

  The Darkling made a grab for Isabel.

  “Remember what I told you!” Everly shouted, then shoved Isabel out of the way.

  Instead of scooping Isabel up, the Darkling had no choice but to grab Everly or leave empty-handed. The momentum he’d built as he crossed the clearing carried them through the portal opening.

  Tristan sprinted toward the portal. If he reached it in time, it would mean his death, but he’d gladly sacrifice his life if it meant saving Isabel’s friend for her. After all, she’d saved Isabel for him.

  He jumped as the portal snapped shut. The momentum carried him forward into a tree trunk. Tristan hit headfirst. He heard a loud crunch, then the world faded to black.

  * * * * *

  Izzy stared in horror at Tristan’s lifeless form. Everly was gone, and Tristan might be dead. They’d both sacrificed themselves for her. Tears filled her eyes as Izzy struggled to gain her footing. As soon as she was steady enough to move, she rushed to his side.

  Blood trickled out Tristan’s nose and muzzle.

  She dropped to her knees and gently pulled his head onto her lap. When she saw his chest rise, the tears flowed down her cheeks. At least he was alive, but Izzy had no idea how badly he was hurt. Tristan hadn’t returned to his human form.

  Izzy took off her shirt to put pressure on his bleeding. She kept her eyes on the woods. Would Stone come back for her?

  Blood seeped through her shirt. If Tristan didn’t wake up soon, she’d drag him to the road. “Please, come back to me,” she murmured. “I need you.”

  Izzy heard a twig snap. Her heart slammed into her ribcage, trying to kick its way out. She glanced around and spotted Tristan’s sword. She gently laid his head aside and crawled over to it. Izzy had just wrapped her hand around the handle when wolves poured out of the woods.

  She screamed and scurried back to Tristan. “Stay back!” she shouted, swinging the sword wildly around her.

  One wolf stepped away from the others. He barked once, and the others grew silent. The air around him shimmered. One moment a black wolf stood in the middle of the clearing, the next Pierre La Fontaine stared at her.

  It said a lot about Izzy’s state of mind that she didn’t even care that he was naked. “Stay back.” She kept one hand on Tristan and
the other firmly wrapped around the sword.

  “Isabel, it’s me,” Pierre said. “We’re not here to harm you.”

  “I sa—said stay back,” she cried.

  Pierre held his hands up and motioned for the wolves to move back. Once they were far enough away, he dropped down into a crouch.

  “He’s in bad shape,” he said, indicating to Tristan. “He needs my help.”

  Izzy glanced at Tristan. He was still breathing, but his breaths were shallow and he was still bleeding badly. “He tried to save me.”

  Pierre glanced at the wound on the side of her neck. “Did Tristan do that to you?”

  Izzy’s brow furrowed. “What?”

  “Did he bite you?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said. “Stone got really mad after Tristan bit me.”

  “I bet he did,” Pierre said. “Where’s your friend, Everly?”

  Fresh tears filled her eyes until Pierre’s image wavered. “He took her,” she whispered. “She shoved me out of the way, and he took her instead.”

  Sadness filled Pierre’s amber eyes. “I’m sorry,” he said softly, then murmured in French.

  Izzy didn’t speak the language, but something about the cadence of his voice made her muscles relax. The sword seemed heavier than it had been a moment ago. Her arm trembled and dropped.

  “No!” she said, but there was no fighting Pierre’s steady voice.

  “It’s okay.” He slowly moved closer as he continued to talk to her.

  Izzy’s eyes drooped, and the sword fell to the ground.

  Pierre moved with lightning speed. He grabbed the weapon, then tossed the sword to someone behind him and still managed to catch her before she fell over.

  “It’s okay,” he said. “You’ll be okay.”

  Izzy had a hard time understanding him. His words were slurring in her mind.

  He turned his head to address the others. “Someone get over here and get Tristan. I have his mate.”