Reign

by Alaska Angelini

  Where were we going?

  The scenery became new again and everything went blank as I felt myself slow and look around.

  “Hunter, no, no, over here. If you look around, things will be become even more confusing. You need to listen to me. You’re a vampire now. Your mind is trying to cope with the new blood. It’s shutting down, right? It’s hard to remember anything?”

  Still we were moving forward. My lips opened and an answer was on the tip of my tongue when a house had me stopping again. A hard slam against my chest told me I had finally made it. This was where I was supposed to be.

  “Fuck,” Boyd breathed out. “No, we’re not going there. You don’t live there anymore.”

  I was already turning, heading toward the door. Each step sent my pulse skittering even faster.

  “Dammit. Hunter, I said you don’t live there anymore.”

  He blurred in front of me with his speed, pushing his hands against my chest in quick movements meant to distract me. But I wasn’t going to fall for that again. I stayed focused, determined as I swung my arm at him and headed up the steps. As I reached for the door and turned the knob, I felt it—an invisible barrier. It brushed over my fingertips, triggering my brain.

  “See, this isn’t your home. The house has new tenants. Come on, we have to go.”

  A jerk pulled at my arm and I roared through the rage that was building.

  “Get on the ground!”

  I turned to see multiple men in black uniforms surrounding the yard. A smile came to Boyd’s face as he stepped closer to me.

  “Well this is going to be fun. You feeling hungry?”

  Hungry? Yes, my throat. The fire was still there. Still growing. I was so weak. That’s what kept registering. I needed something more.

  Boyd’s fangs lowered and I stared at them mesmerized for a moment. I knew he’d been like me, but to see him have what I did…it brought out the need to kill even more.

  Slowly, I step forward. Boyd let me take the lead, but kept his steps even with mine. Pain from the explosions stung my arm and my vision wavered through the anger. I was suddenly running. Suddenly being showered with needle-type sensations. I could see Boyd in my peripheral. We attacked at the same time, diving for the closest humans.

  Blood flooded my mouth as I bit into side of the man’s neck, but I didn’t waste my time feeding. I clamped my jaw down, ripping his flesh while I fought to end his life.

  BAM! BAM!

  The shots were still coming. They hit me all over, even as I felt myself heal almost instantly. I moved from one to next, staying in tune with Boyd as he did the same thing. He was laughing—loving what we were doing. His pale skin was beginning to be covered in crimson. It was smeared on his cheeks and chin and the more he killed, the more he rubbed his face over the wounds. I repeated the action, feeling the evil within me flare at the enhanced sense of smell. It engulfed me, feeding the need. For the first time, I felt as one with who I was.

  “Let’s get the hell out of here!” Boyd dropped the last dead officer, letting out an exhilarated yell as he waved me to follow. There was no hesitation this time. I ran behind him, leaving the place I was so sure was my home for another that was suddenly calling me forward.

  We got to the end of the road and slowed as he approached a grate. An odd tug pulled at my stomach, reaching so deep inside of me that I barely heard the words Boyd was exchanging with the vampire inside. It was heated for only a moment before Boyd tapped me.

  “Holy shit. Let’s go, buddy. I hear your maker has arrived. This is turning out better than I could have dreamed.”

  My maker?

  Darkness surrounded me as I lowered within, and the tug at my core got harder, luring me deeper into the tunnels. What secrets were lurking ahead? What was the feeling … that power tempting me forward? I wasn’t sure, but I suddenly needed it.

  Heat singed my lungs with every inhale and the wetness on my face was beginning to get sticky as it dried. With the tightness that accompanied the sensation, I opened my mouth repeatedly. Movement to my side had me stiffening and almost attacking. The vampire at the door froze, hissing as I continued on. The fear I had detected had my eyes narrowing for the briefest moment, but I wasn’t able to give it much thought as light from ahead caught my attention.

  I knew this place, even if I couldn’t remember it. The constant déjà vu left my mind spinning and defensive walls rising. Something was off…something I couldn’t quite figure out. If it wasn’t for the tempting aura, I would have run. But I suddenly had to have it—no matter the cost.

  Chapter 4

  Marko

  Deep gasps drew me out of a deep sleep. My pulse was racing and it was hard to breathe. My eyes flew open and I immediately reached out to Tessa’s sitting frame. Dark hair haloed around her in a mass of loose curls. From the glow of the closet light, she was paler than usual. It drove me up to her side while I reached for her.

  “What’s wrong, love? What is it?”

  The covers flew back as she sprung from the bed, grabbing her robe. “He’s here. Hunter is in the city.”

  “What?!” The deep vibrations of my growl filled the room. I was right behind her, racing to the closet to grab my pants. Rage was all I knew. I wanted to kill him. No, I was going to kill him. The urge was undeniable. Vampire or not, he had shown me pain I’d never recover from. I’d almost lost Tessa because of him and I couldn’t forgive him for that.

  “You have to get Aetas and let him know.” She raced for the door, a mass of black silk flying behind at her speed.

  “Don’t you dare—”

  She was already gone, leaving me trying to button my pants as I burst through the door after her.

  “Tessa!”

  “Get Aetas,” she yelled, from the darkness. “We don’t know what we’re dealing with.”

  Fire burned into my stomach as I slowed enough to pound into his door. When I threw it open, I noticed the light was on and he was awake, reaching for his shirt.

  “Tessa says Hunter is here. She went to collect him.” I didn’t tell him to hurry as I left the door open and started running again. I didn’t even want him to know. What I wanted was to get to the bastard who could very well end up trying to kill Tessa all over again.

  The lights from the heart of the city shone before me and I broke into the large room just in time to see Tessa coming to a stop in front of Boyd and Hunter. Blood covered his face and he had his head slightly cocked to the side, staring at her captivated. When I saw a smile pull at the side of his mouth, I didn’t slow. I ran faster, hissing as my fangs shot down. His hand rose toward her cheek and my vision flashed red. MINE! The word repeated obsessively in my head. He paused, mid-way, jerking his attention to me, baring his own fangs as he shoved her out of the way and broke into a sprint, right for me.

  “Marko, no!”

  Tessa voice was but an echo, deep within the reaches of my mind. I was too far gone. Too impatient to spill his blood after everything he’d done to us.

  My claws grew and I pushed from the balls of my feet diving for him, just as he did for me. The force from the invisible wall knocked the air from my lungs. I fell to the ground coughing as Tessa collapsed to her knees in pain. Her hand was still raised, but I could tell my power against her shield had taken its toll. Seeing what I’d done left my heart sinking.

  “I said enough!” She was wheezing as she struggled to her feet. “No more, Marko! Our battle is not with him. Not yet.” She eyed him wearily as she came up to stand between us. Hunter still tore into the wall. Still tried to get to me.

  “Very well done, Princess. I’m surprised by your resolve.”

  Aetas’ voice had me turning to glare in his direction. The tone had deepened along the ending and I knew why. He was looking at me skeptically and he had every right to.

  “I rule this city and I take my alliance with you very seriously,” she said, coldly. “What did you expect, for me to attack him as well?”

  Aetas sh
rugged, but kept his attention on Hunter. “I wasn’t sure, but your loyalty will not be forgotten. As for Master Delacroix’s…” His eyes flickered back to me. “I guess I’m not surprised. He always has done his own thing. That’s the problem with your mate, Princess. He is what keeps you from taking my place. This is a good example as any for you to understand my questioning of your ability. You may do what is right, but Marko doesn’t. He cares for nothing but his own greed. This will harm you in the end. It could be the difference between being a great leader, or having your people turn against you. I don’t want to put you in that position. I’d be grooming you for your own murder if I did.”

  When Tessa glanced at me but kept silent, the anger only intensified. But not at Aetas or her—at myself. The truth was like a knife in the heart, and the pain was all for her.

  “Let’s get Hunter into a room. People are staring. They’ve seen enough.”

  There was defeat in Tessa’s tone and I knew she understood Aetas’ point of view. She wasn’t arguing. Wasn’t fighting to try to prove him wrong anymore. Her energy was so withdrawn from me that I couldn’t read it.

  “Hunter.” Tessa voice was calm but disassociated as she stepped closer to him. His eyes pulled from me and he gave her his attention. “I’m going to drop the wall between us. Do you think you can walk with me calmly to your new room?”

  “Wait, before you do, let me in.” Aetas stepped closer. “He needs my blood. It will calm him and make him able to communicate. Afterward, he can stay in my room. There’s no need to separate the two of us. He can’t hurt me.”

  “As you wish,” she said, slightly bowing her head. Her hand waved and Aetas stepped in close to Hunter. The newborn’s eyes studied his every move. The moment Aetas slit into his wrist, Hunter didn’t hesitate. He grabbed our leader’s arm and fed from it like a starving man. Minutes went by before he stopped and Aetas nodded to Tessa.

  “Hunter, would you follow me?”

  His eyes shot to me and he growled, reaching over and lacing his fingers through hers. Tessa’s eyes widened and she grew rigid.

  Now is not the time to fight, Marko. Calm. He doesn’t know who I am. He doesn’t know what he’s done.

  Pants left my mouth while I tried to control the blood-red rage that kept tinting my vision. Let’s get him the fuck in that room. I can’t see him anymore. I can’t see this.

  Tessa began walking, leading him forward as Aetas smiled and followed. Me, I couldn’t do shit but stand there, seething. There was no debating what I could so clearly see. Tessa was a better leader than I was. I’d known it for a while, but her actions in the heat of the moment proved it. I knew the amount of anger she harbored for Hunter and yet, she was able to overlook it and go as far as to let him hold her hand so he would be comforted enough to obey. If it had been up to me, Hunter would have been dead. And I would have followed in his footsteps because Aetas would have killed me, making the woman I love a widow. The reality doused the immediate need of revenge. Tessa deserved better from me. I had probably embarrassed her due to my actions.

  No, I had. The whole city had witnessed my outburst—my slip of control.

  “You did well,” I said, addressing Boyd. “We’ll speak tomorrow. You deserve compensation for bringing Hunter to us.”

  “Thank you, Master.”

  He nodded, rushing away. I turned back to the tunnels, witnessing Aetas disappear into the darkness. I slowly walked in their direction, keeping my distance. My mind raced while I recalled Hunter’s appearance. His once tanned skin was gone, replaced by a paleness that marked what we were. The color of his eyes were nearly nonexistent. They had faded in with the white, barely standing out with their light blueish-gray shade. It had looked eerie, even as I ran toward him. I’d never once been afraid of Hunter, but I couldn’t deny there was a tinge of something that irked me the wrong way. It left me cautious, when before I wouldn’t have been.

  I slowed as I approached the door, listening to the words that were being spoken inside.

  “Thank you, again, Princess. I can’t tell you how surprised I am with your behavior. I’m impressed. You have to know that.”

  There was a pause before Tessa began. “Thank you, Your Highness. It means a lot to hear that coming from you. If you’ll excuse me now, I’ll give the two of you privacy. Should I make arrangements for your departure back to headquarters, tomorrow? Or…” Footsteps. “Will you be disappearing back?”

  Aetas laughed. “I can take it from here. You’ve done enough. Hunter and I will be leaving soon. Probably before the sun rises.”

  “Wait.” Hunter’s voice was deep as it broke the silence.

  “Hunter, you have to let go of me. Aetas….”

  The stirring of anger and impatience from Tessa had me cracking the door to look in. What I saw nearly broke every ounce of control I held. Hunter stood behind her, his arms wrapped over her breasts as he held her arms locked down. He appeared panicked as his eyes stayed fixed on Aetas.

  “Hunter…let go of Princess Tessalyn. I’ve already told you. You have nothing to fear with me. I am your maker. I promise to take care of you.”

  His head shook, stiffly.

  Aetas sighed. “I can feel your dilemma, Hunter, but you can’t stay. You have lessons to learn. This is not your home.”

  “Then she goes.”

  Tessa tried shrugging out of his hold, but his grip only tightened. She glared at Aetas before turning to look up at Hunter.

  “I cannot go, and you cannot stay. I have a city to run. I rule here, Hunter. You must go with Aetas to prepare to run your own.”

  “I’m staying.”

  “You know not what you say.” Tessa jerked against his hold. “You’re newborn. You don’t know the significance of the path you’ve been given. You have to go.”

  Tessa was spun around while he gripped to her forearms. His eyes studied her while he gazed down into her face.

  “We stay together. We have to stay together. My mind is telling me that.”

  Dark hair swung loosely as Tessa shook her head. “Absolutely not! Do you know what you’ve—?”

  “Don’t,” Aetas warned. “Not yet.”

  Tessa turned her head to look back at him. “Then get him off of me. I can only be so patient.”

  “Hunter,” Aetas said, angrier. “Princess Tessalyn is mated to Master Delacroix. She does not belong to you. You cannot stay together, nor can you treat her as you are. You have to let her go.”

  “No! Stop telling me what to do. I don’t understand this, but I know what I feel.”

  He angled them to the side and the wood splintered under my grasp. Aetas glanced over at me for the first time and sighed.

  “There’s love between the two of us,” Hunter whispered, still staring at her. “I don’t know how I know you, but you love me. I know you do. Help me. I don’t know what’s happening.”

  “Loved,” Tessa snapped. “And it was a long time ago. Before this life.” She lifted her hands in between his hold, settling them on his cheeks. Her face softened and it had my pulse going even faster. “Listen to me. You’re scared, but you have to trust me. I need you to go with Aetas. Come tomorrow, you won’t remember this, or even me. And that’s for the best. This conversation won’t come back to you for months, but when it does, I want you to remember how you are right now. How you feel. We don’t have to be enemies, and this life doesn’t have to be bad for you.”

  Hunter’s brow drew in. “We’re not enemies. I could never hate you. I love you. I do.”

  Tears slid down Tessa’s cheeks and her fingers gripped to his face harder as she drew his lips to hers. I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t even contain the need to kill everything in my path. The room rocked and I could barely process the moment when Hunter’s big body hit the ground.

  Tessa sobbed, spinning to Aetas with a fury that matched my own. Her body was trembling as she pointed her shaky finger toward our leader. “Is that how you plan to control him? By mere words? You have n
o idea what you have done! Get him out of my city. Get him out right now before it’s too late.”

  Chapter 5

  Tessa

  “Tessa, please. You have to stop blocking your mind and either let me in or talk with me.”

  I glanced at Marko from the mirror of my vanity. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, resting his palms just above his knees. His head was slightly bowed and I knew he wanted to talk, I just wasn’t sure what to say.

  Seeing Hunter again—as a vampire, no less. My duty was all I had known in the moment. It kept me from killing my enemy. It kept me from acting rash. It saved him. But did it save me? With my panic of intercepting him in the heart of the city, I hadn’t been protected. My crown was exactly where it was now, beside the bed. I felt Hunter’s power, his persuasion, he received from Aetas.

  He was a newborn, but already it was there, confusing the thoughts in my head with what I knew were lies. “We’re not enemies. I could never hate you. I love you. I do.” As he’d spoken the words, I could almost believe myself still in love with him. My heart fluttered and my skin heated. But it wasn’t me, it was him. He was trying to force the emotions into me, even though I doubted he knew what he was doing. His gift was bad news if he chose to use it wrong—use it against me.

  “I said I’m sorry a dozen times.”

  I blinked past the thoughts, turning on the bench seat to look into Marko’s face. “You couldn’t help yourself. I don’t blame you.”

  “But you do,” he stressed. “I saw it in your eyes, ma minette. It hurt you to hear Aetas say you would never lead because of me. And you believed him.”

  I glanced down at his hands, leaning forward to take his into my own.

  “Only time will tell who is meant to lead. Perhaps it is Hunter. It’s likely he will be stronger. After all, he has Aetas’ blood. And he didn’t appear violent. Not more so than any newborn. He’s actually extremely well composed for being so young. Better than I was, that’s for sure.”