Shadows and Stars

by Becca Fanning

  Vivien felt the same and she understood his concerns but felt that maybe he might be overreacting a bit. After all, they were going in together, fighting as one. They also had the help of Tristan and the Hybrid Coven, along with the witches of Harlington. Sure, it wouldn’t be easy, but at least they weren’t fighting alone. She had no misconceptions about the danger they were facing, but she was done running and wanted to finally live and be free. This was her chance.

  “I can hear you, you know,” Ryder said, “and you’re right, but it won’t stop me from protecting you at all costs.” He smiled. “I want to be free as well. Free to live my long life with you.” Then he kissed her lightly on the mouth.

  Vivien pulled away, smiling back. “Good. It’s settled then. Now, stay out of my damn head, would you?” she said, then laughed, getting up from the bed, heading toward the door. “Are you coming or what?”

  Ryder sprang from the bed, pushing Vivien against the wall, and she gasped in surprise. “We can’t—”

  She was cut off by a toe-curling kiss, roving hands cupping her breasts and rough fingers caressing her aching nipples. Ryder parted her lips, darting his tongue into her mouth. Vivien allowed him entry and felt his fangs, making her pant, ready for him. With one swift movement, her pants were on the floor, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Screw it. If they were going into battle, she was going to enjoy what might be one last pleasure with her mate. She ground her wet center against him, needing to feel him once again, but he was wearing too many clothes.

  As if hearing her thoughts, Ryder unbuttoned his jeans, allowing them to slip to the floor, then entered Vivien hard and fast. He fit her perfectly, like a glove. She rode him—with her arms slung over his shoulders, he continued to thrust his hard length inside of her, like a man starved. “Harder,” she cried.

  “You want more, do you?”

  “Yes!” she wailed, nearing her first orgasm. She could feel it building within her core as he drove into her.

  Ryder clutched her body, pushing her hands above her head, then looked into her eyes. “I love you, Vivien.” Then he thrust his hard cock deep inside of her, causing the drywall to crack, but all she could think about was the man in front of her—her mate.

  “I love you, Ryder,” she panted. “Bite me. Now.”

  “As you wish.”

  Just as Vivien was about to explode, Ryder’s fangs pierced the delicate skin of her neck and she cried out as her orgasm spasmed in wave upon wave. She was lost in a sea of ecstasy as he released at the same time.

  He continued, harder and faster, squeezing her ass. Vivien lost count of how many orgasms she experienced and her body began to go numb from the sheer pleasure of it all. It seemed Ryder could continue on, but must have noticed when she gently laid her head on his shoulder, then sighed with contentment.

  Ryder picked Vivien up and laid her on the bed. “I had to have you one more time, even if it was a quickie… To clear my head,” he snickered.

  Vivien’s legs felt like jelly, and she certainly wasn’t complaining. “To clear your head, huh?” She looked up at him, smiling. “Well, I think it was an incredible idea, even if I wasn’t expecting it.”

  “That was the point, my dear Vivien,” Ryder said. “We needed a bit of a distraction and I could think of nothing better than a romp with my mate.”

  She smiled again. “I really like the way ‘my mate’ sounds coming out of your mouth.”

  “Get used to it.” He smacked her on the ass, then told her they had better get dressed and head back downstairs. “Do you think you can fix the wall?”

  “Sure.” Vivien waved her hand, and the drywall that was once cracked and damaged from their sex-capade was now completely restored.

  “Impressive,” Ryder said, slipping on his jeans, his hard-on still on display.

  Vivien giggled, then stood from the bed to dress herself. Her clothes were near the door—somewhere. To hell with it. She was about to go to battle and decided on black leather pants, a fitted red corset and short black leather jacket, with black knee-high leather boots to match. When Ryder turned to look at her, his jaw dropped.

  “What the hell? Battle gear, I suppose?” He had a dark look in his silver eyes that said he would devour her again if she didn’t leave—quick.

  “Yep. No ideas, big boy.” She placed her hand on his heaving chest. “Let’s go.”

  She could feel his eyes on her leather-clad ass all the way down the stairs and she smiled to herself. It gave her a few sexy ideas to torture him with later.

  ELEVEN

  VIVIEN AND RYDER arrived downstairs to what looked to be a weapons arsenal. Ryder wondered what happened to the sweet old lady that had greeted him only hours ago, then remembered it was all a ruse. He needed to shake off the visions of ripping the leather from Vivien’s perfect body and devouring her inch by inch. If he was a betting man, he would have put money on Vivien concocting that outfit to drive him mad.

  “What’s all this?” Ryder asked, walking into the dining room, seeing several tables filled with an assortment of potions, strange-looking guns and some weapons he honestly had no clue as to what they could be.

  “Just a few things to protect us all during the night,” Emma replied, then looked to Vivien. “Don’t you look splendid in your leathers. It rather suits you, dear.”

  “Thank you,” Vivien said, picking up something that looked like a gun, but it glowed green from the center and didn’t exactly have a magazine for reloading. Ryder watched as she flipped it around to do a thorough examination, attempting to figure it out.

  “That’s a magical immobilizer, sort of like a stun gun, but much more effective,” Emma explained.

  Vivien set the immobilizer down, and Ryder thought it would be a good weapon in his arsenal. He walked over to another table after spotting a pair of throwing knives with spears that spread from the tips. He imagined the knife could shred the heart of any vampire it came in contact with—another weapon he thought might be useful.

  Ryder’s cell rang, and he set the knife down on the table, then placed the phone on speaker.

  “Tristan, did you make it here safe and unharmed?” he asked

  “Yes, old friend. We’re here. We will need guidance into Harlington. According to what you said, we shouldn’t be too far out.”

  “Unfortunately, we have enemies in our midst. Vampires from my old coven, along with the warrior witches I spoke about earlier,” Ryder said. “They’re attempting to breach one of our borders. Prepare yourselves.”

  “Not a problem, brother. We’re already prepared with everything we need. We came to fight alongside you and your friends.”

  “I’m forever in your debt, Tristan. Thank you. I will let you speak with Emma now, and she will guide you through the path.”

  “Hello, Tristan, and thank you for coming on such short notice,” Emma began. “Once you leave the airport, take Interstate 10, then drive a few exits down past the third rest stop to the sign labeled, Decatur, Exit 216. It’s a decoy. Turn right at the flashing red light, then go up the hill until you reach what looks like a dead end. I’ll meet you there. It’s the entrance to Harlington. Do you have any questions?”

  “No, ma’am,” Tristan answered. “We will meet you in two black SUVs in no less than thirty minutes.”

  “Very well, then. Please be careful and be on the lookout for anything that seems out of the ordinary. Report back to Ryder if you see any rogues or witches near the main border before you attempt to enter.”

  “Will do, Emma. See you soon,” Tristan said, ending the call.

  Ryder stuffed the phone back in his jeans pocket, then pulled Vivien close. He knew the time to fight was drawing near. Although he was apprehensive about what was to come, he had no doubt in his ability to protect her. He was a trained killer after all. He had tucked several blades in his waistband just to be safe, but his claws worked just as well.

  “Ah ha! I heard you that time.” Vivien turned to meet his gaze.
“I really do like this whole mating thing.” She laughed, then gave him a chaste kiss. He could hear Emma and Richard chuckling to themselves in the background.

  “I assumed it would only be a matter of time,” Ryder said smiling. “Now maybe we will be on an even playing field, except I will have to teach you to block your thoughts once in a while.”

  A knock at the door interrupted their conversation and Ryder’s hackles rose.

  Richard answered and Ryder, along with Vivien, went with him to see who it was.

  “Sir, it seems they’re attempting to breach our western border as well. Vampires, but I’m not sure how.”

  “Wait,” Ryder interrupted. “Are these the same vampires who were walking in broad daylight?”

  “Yes, but that’s something else I don’t understand. The coven warriors can only sustain them for a short time.”

  Ryder cursed under his breath. “Not if they’re no longer just vampires, but made witches as well. They may have been able to maintain both abilities making them hybrids; however, the Hybrid Coven I know was only given the ability to walk by day by their ancestors because of their fight against evil. This could be some kind of alteration or spell. We won’t know until my friends arrive, or I see them first. Stand fast and hold the borders. Back up is coming soon.”

  Richard nodded in agreement and sent his head of security back to the border to do as Ryder had said. He closed the door and looked directly into Ryder’s eyes. “Do you really believe the coven warriors would have allowed the rogues to change them into vampires for what they deem as more power?”

  “It’s possible, but I can’t be sure until I see them up close,” Ryder answered. “All I do know is that something isn’t adding up. I have a feeling my previous coven might be behind it.”

  Several minutes later while they were gathering weapons and sheathing them to their boots, Ryder’s phone rang again. It was Tristan saying he had made it to the dead end.

  Emma told him to wait five minutes, until he saw a shimmering green barrier, then drive through—she and several witches would be there to greet them on the other side.

  Once Emma left, Vivien was a bundle of nerves, but didn’t understand why. This wasn’t her first battle by any means. Maybe it was because of the memories she now had or the fact that she would be seeing her father. Either way, she knew what she had to do—she had to kill him, or die trying.

  Ryder came to stand beside her, wrapping his strong arms around her shoulders. “There is nothing to worry about, dear Vivien. I will be at your side the entire time.”

  “I know.” She leaned into his embrace. “I just want this to be over. The waiting is killing me. Not to mention, unknown factors.”

  Richard walked back into the dining room after he had changed into a pair of leather pants, crisp white shirt and a black leather vest. He glanced between both Vivien and Ryder. “After tonight, all will be as it should be. You will see, Vivien. The power you hold inside of you is capable of stopping this battle. You only have to feel it—will it to be so.”

  Vivien wasn’t exactly sure of Richard’s meaning, but she took it to heart. If she had the power to stop the battle ahead, she would do her damnedest to make it happen before any lives were lost.

  Just then, the door burst open with Emma and about fifteen other people and Vivien took a startled step back. She’d seen one of them before.

  Ryder walked toward a blonde-haired man with gray eyes, clasped his hand and man-hugged him. “Good to see you, old friend.” Vivien assumed he was Tristan. “Allow me to introduce you to my mate, Vivien.”

  Vivien walked toward them, a little apprehensive. “Hello,” she said, shaking his hand. “Thank you for coming.”

  Tristan turned to a tall redheaded vampire with bright blue eyes. “This is my mate, Amelia.”

  She happily extended her hand and Vivien could see her kind aura, but lurking behind it was deep-seated pain. She wondered what had happened to her, but didn’t dare ask.

  “A pleasure to meet you, Amelia,” Ryder said.

  The woman Vivien recognized walked toward them. She said her name was Genevieve and introduced herself as the Hybrid Coven leader from New Orleans. Vivien racked her brain, but couldn’t place the woman. She had long dark brown hair, with gleaming blue eyes. Her soul and aura were as kind as they come. Maybe it was a memory from her childhood; she had no idea.

  Genevieve proceeded to introduce Charity first. She was tall with long auburn-colored hair and green eyes. When Vivien went to greet her, the hybrid was overjoyed and hugged her tightly. Vivien wasn’t used to strangers hugging her, but she reciprocated and smiled back. Charity’s aura was bright and cheery, and Vivien smiled.

  She then met Matthew and Grace, another mated hybrid couple. Matthew was tall with jet-black hair and seemed reserved. Grace, a petite blonde, on the other hand, was all smiles Vivien could see the love she held for her mate when she looked at him. Apparently, Grace was a newly made hybrid who had recently fought her way out of being marked by an ancient deadly vampire. Vivien shuddered at the thought. She knew all too well what it was like to have to fight for her life.

  The next was a New Orleans witch named, Dee. She had an outgoing personality with skin the color of creamy chocolate, glowing hazel eyes and long black that hair hung down the center of her back. They were all dressed for battle it seemed, having nearly the same idea as Vivien. She liked them already.

  There were several other hybrids who straggled in a few minutes later, but Vivien couldn’t remember their names. She was just happy to have them there. She felt a kinship with the hybrids and witches that she couldn’t explain. Something inside told her this wouldn’t be the last time she would be with these wonderful people. For the first time in many years, Vivien felt a sense of home among these witches and hybrids—her people, she decided. She’d been alone for too many years, separated from a magical community in which she now knew she belonged.

  Emma asked everyone to take a seat in the dining room for further instructions and wanted Genevieve to say a few words.

  “Hello, ladies and gentlemen,” Genevieve began. “Tonight will be difficult at best, but I believe we have a good team of witches, vampires and hybrids alike fighting alongside one another to overcome the evil at your doorstep.” She looked toward Vivien.

  “Vivien, you may not remember me,” she said, “but I knew your mother many years ago. I want you to know something about the warrior coven’s powers and how they have progressed over the years.” She took a breath, taking a sip of water from the table.

  “They are not what you believe them to be, and are unlike any other witches in this room. I’m afraid that coven has made a deal with the devil, so to speak, and practice dark, malevolent magic. We will have to be on our toes and drink protection potions before we leave.”

  “I assumed as much.” Vivien blew out a breath. “How did you know my mother?”

  “She came to me when you were just a small child. I cloaked the two of you so that you would not be found. It was after an incident with a storm. Do you remember?”

  “Yes. That was you?” Vivien asked, with her eyes downcast remembering that horrific day. “I had no idea… Thank you.”

  “Our powers, the powers of the Hybrid Coven, and all witches are ancestral, and that includes yours, my dear. Those of us gifted with magic were done so by God and we must not abuse these powers. I realize your powers work a bit differently, but we are all here to help and fight by your side.” Her gaze lifted from Vivien with a small smile; then she addressed the rest of the room. “Are there any questions? If not, I believe it is time to gear up and head for the southern border.” Genevieve nodded when no one said a word. “I’ve placed protection potions on the table. Do not forget to drink them before you leave.”

  After Genevieve finished speaking, Vivien felt as if a little piece of her mother was with her, guiding her, and the apprehension that she’d felt earlier was gone. She had Emma and now Genevieve to thank for
that.

  “One more thing before we go,” Genevieve announced. She lowered her head in what looked like prayer. “I would like to thank God and the ancestors for their guidance and strength this night, for lending us their almighty powers to defeat the evil before us.” She then raised her head, eyes aglow, and looked around the room with what seemed like adoration in her gaze.

  Everyone stood, grabbing weapons from the tabletops, and it was then that Vivien noticed Emma had changed into a pair of black leather pants, black tank, and a black leather jacket. She shook her head in amazement. Emma looked badass.

  Vampires, witches and hybrids filed out of the door one by one and Vivien’s heart fluttered in her chest. She couldn’t wait to meet the other witches of Harlington. She wondered what they were like and if they would be like her or her mother. These people were an extension of her family who had left the coven many years ago.

  Ryder walked next to Vivien, entwining his fingers in hers. She felt comfort knowing he was by her side. As they were nearing the southern border, Vivien heard a loud explosion up ahead. Eyes wide, she looked around at everyone wondering what the hell it was. Now the shit was getting real. Sweat formed on her back and her pulse skyrocketed. She knew what she had to do, but she was scared of what the fallout might bring.

  “Fan out into a flanking position,” Richard ordered. “Vivien, Ryder, the two of you stay together at all costs.”

  She assumed the warriors and vampires were successful and had broken down the southern wall, making their way into Harlington. She and Ryder took off into a dead run toward the sound of the explosion, hand-in-hand.

  Vivien heard someone following them and stopped abruptly. Ryder threw her body behind him with an arm wrapped protectively around her waist, turning them around. “Who’s there?” Ryder ground out through his fangs.

  In a blur, Tristan and Amelia appeared, then Ryder released his hold on Vivien. “It’s only the two of us, brother,” Tristan said as he and Amelia strode closer. “You didn’t think we would let you fight alone, did you?”