The Black Rose Chronicles: Deceit and Lies

by Michaels, A K

  “Hello.” She tried to shout and was more than a little surprised it came out as barely a whimper.

  She fought to get up into a sitting position, but stopped when her head pounded even more. Nausea gripped her stomach and she stayed still, not wanting to vomit again. Jeez, she’d puked more in the last day than she had in years. Raising a hand to her face, she felt her head, cold and clammy, equaled not good. Shit.

  “You’re awake.” Allarde’s voice broke into her consciousness. “How are you feeling?”

  “Where am I? And I’ll apologize now in case I puked on your nice carpet.”

  His hand waved away her words. “Don’t worry about it. Please.” He sat down next to her. “Don’t try and move. You’ve got a bad head injury.”

  “Really?” Rose asked as she watched him stare hard at her, his gaze intense and strangely comforting.

  “Yes.” He reached for a small bottle of water, opening it and placing a straw inside. “Here, have a few sips.”

  “Thanks.” She gratefully sucked on the straw to get the beautiful liquid into her painfully dry mouth.

  “You’ve been out for almost three days.” Allarde pulled the straw from her mouth and she almost groaned at the loss. “Just a little right now, until we see if you can keep it down.”

  “What?” She frowned. “Did you say I’ve been in this bed for three days?”

  “Yes. You’re in my bed.”

  She looked around, seeing the luxurious room, which was now littered with a dozen different medical machines. “What’s all this?”

  “Everything we could get our hands on. Luckily, they work because we have power, so the doctor has been able to monitor you, but he says you have an injury inside, which needs to heal.”

  “Fuck,” Rose swore, if she could use her magic, she could heal herself. Obviously, that wasn’t an option open to her.

  “From what I can gather, it’s serious, Marie.” Allarde reached over, patting her hand. “I’m sorry. This was my fault. I should’ve dealt with that tribe of Fairies weeks ago, but they seemed peaceful. Well, as peaceful as Fairies can be.”

  Rose frowned, his words not making sense. “What’re you talking about?”

  “The person who attacked you.” His face hardened and he looked very angry as he carried on, “Their leader has denied it was one of their tribe, but his words are meaningless. I saw it for myself.”

  “Wait.” Rose fought to get the words out, her brain all jumbled up and her voice sounding weak. “It wasn’t a Fairy.”

  “Yes.” Allarde nodded. “It was. I saw it clearly.”

  “No.” Rose reached for his hand as she thought on the repercussions of his delusion. “It wasn’t. It looked like one, but I know them. I’ve trained with them, and that thing only looked like a Fairy. It wasn’t.”

  “Are you sure?” Allarde looked at her, as if she was talking nonsense.

  “I’m sure.” She tried to move again and nausea overtook her again, her hand flying to her mouth.

  Allarde grabbed a bowl and held her head as she vomited the small amount of precious water she’d drank only moments before.

  “Damn it to hell,” he swore as her head began to spin furiously.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Allarde,” she croaked out, wondering how many times this man would see her puke.

  “Cassius, call me Cassius, and you have nothing to be sorry for.” His eyes met hers and he smiled for a moment before scowling again. “I fucking wish I could get my hands on a Witch.”

  Rose recoiled as he placed her head gently back onto the pillow. “Pardon?” she whispered, terrified of his answer.

  “If I could find a Witch, then they could heal you.” He gave her a small smile again. “But I’m afraid I’ve tried already and I’ve come up with nothing. None are to be found, and anyone who knows of any still alive is most definitely not talking.”

  “I see.” She tried to focus on his body language to see if his intentions were good, or not. “I suppose folks would be scared to admit knowing one. It’s not good for your health if you do.”

  “I know.” Cassius held his hands up as he shrugged. “It’s hellish what’s gone on. One of my closest friends was a Witch.”

  “Was?” she asked, knowing the probable answer.

  “Yes.” His eyes clouded over and she was certain it was pain she saw within them. “He was like a brother to me, but I got word a few months ago that he’d been caught in Europe and well, I guess you know the rest.”

  “I’m sorry,” she said, looking at him with new eyes. “So you’ve never hunted Witches?”

  “What?” His look was of shock, and more than a little indignant. “Of course not. What kind of man do you think I am?”

  Rose didn’t reply straight away and when she did, she was cautious. “I’m not sure. I’ve heard stories, but to be honest, you don’t appear to be the person who’s in those stories.”

  “I’m not a monster.” Cassius shook his head slowly. “I admit I can be a little intense and I carry out punishment to those who do wrong, but I would like to think that I’m fair. I only want to try and sort out this mess we’re all living in. I don’t believe this nonsense about a Witch bringing death and destruction to the world. Fuck, we’ve done that all by ourselves. Instead of fighting each other, we should be working together.”

  “That’s a tall order,” she murmured, suddenly sleepy. She struggled to focus as she fought to stay awake.

  “You need to rest.” He stood and smiled down at her. “I’m going to continue the hunt for a Witch who I can then try and bribe to come and heal you. Wish me luck.”

  She thought she mumbled just before sleep took her, “You don’t need it.”

  Rose heard his voice faintly as she slipped deeper into darkness. “Val! Val! We made a mistake. It wasn’t a Fairy, so we need to mend some bridges with their leader.”

  “Good,” Rose thought as she lost the struggle to stay awake and finally sank into darkness.

  Valentine stood with hands on hips as Cassius returned to the living area. “What did you say?”

  “She says she knows Fairies, has trained with them, whatever the hell that means.” Cassius ran a hand over his face as he paced back and forth. “Marie says the thing that attacked her was definitely not a Fairy, but was made to look like one. We need to sort this out before it escalates.”

  “Fucking hell.” Val scowled. “No wonder they were so angry. I’ll deal with it. You’ve got enough on your plate.”

  “What about our hunt for a Witch? Any luck with that?”

  “No. I’ve put out the word that you need one to heal someone and that you’ll pay handsomely for their services. But let’s be honest, boss, who’s gonna take the chance of admitting they’re a Witch? I don’t think we’ll find one unless it’s someone who knows about one and just wants to make some fast bucks.”

  “There must be one somewhere.” Cassius’ face rippled with anger as he strode over to the window, staring out over Central Park. “Surely they’re not all gone. What a fucking world we’re living in if we’ve made an entire sentient species extinct.”

  Valentine walked up behind him, patted his shoulder. “I know. You still miss him, don’t you?”

  Cassius nodded grimly. “Every fucking day. We may not have been in touch every day, but hell, I knew he was out there. Now I know he’s not, it eats away at me. Do you have any new information on the hunters who took him?”

  Cassius turned to stare at Valentine. “Well?”

  Val shrugged. “Maybe, nothing concrete yet, but as soon as I do, I’ll let you know.”

  “Whatever it takes, Valentine. I want them here, before me, as soon as you find them.”

  “Hey,” Valentine shook his head, “I’ll find them. You know I will, and I’ll get them here as soon as I can, but I’m no magician. I can’t just make them appear here.”

  “You have access to the jet, use it.” Cassius’ voice hard as he turned away to look out the window once more.
“I need to look those fucks in the eye when I end them.”

  “You will, boss.” Valentine turned away. “I’m going to contact some more people to see if I can get my hands on a Witch.”

  “Make sure they know I won’t harm them.” Cassius turned to look at his friend. “I want it known throughout the whole fucking world that I don’t agree with these hunts and the nonsense about Witches. In fact, what if we put it out there that this is a safe haven for them? Do you think that would help?”

  Valentine stared at Cassius and stayed silent for a moment before shrugging. “Shit, boss, if you do that, you’re gonna have even more enemies than you do now.”

  “I don’t care,” Cassius said firmly, his jaw tense and eyes fiery with resolve. “Someone needs to make a stand, and I’m going to be the first. Get it out there, Valentine.”

  “Sure.” Val shook his head. “I sure hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “What I’m doing is letting everyone know that here in my domain, everyone, whatever species, is safe. If we need to fight to get our point across, then so be it.”

  “I’ll double the guards. Just in case there’s any fallout from this.” Valentine turned to leave, stopping at the door before turning back. “I’m with you, boss, you know that, but there’s many who don’t agree with you on this. You need to be careful.”

  “I’m always careful.” Cassius grinned as Valentine snorted.

  “Yeah, sure you are.”

  Cassius sighed heavily as he thought on the young woman lying in his bed. If he didn’t find someone with magical powers, then she may very well die. That wasn’t something he could let happen. She should’ve been safe, and yet she’d been attacked less than a hundred yards from his front door. Something just didn’t add up and he needed to get to the bottom of that. As soon as possible.

  A cough brought his attention back to the man standing in a corner, looking very uneasy. “Sorry, Doctor. So, can you see if you can find someone a little more experienced in this type of injury?”

  “Yes. Of course. I’ve got a couple of contacts I can try and speak to.”

  “Good.” Cassius sat down in his favorite armchair, stretching his legs out in front of him and trying to relax his tense muscles. “Let me know how you get on. But, Doctor, time is of the essence.”

  “I know.” The man nodded before escaping quickly.

  Once he was alone, he tugged out his phone, glad that he and his close associates could keep in touch via the satellites sent up into space decades before. He hadn’t been able to reach Valeria in the past two days and hoped she was now within an area that had coverage. The call connected and he sighed in relief as he heard it ringing several times before she answered, “Good evening, Cassius.”

  “Nice to hear your voice, Valeria, I’ve been trying to get you for a couple of days.”

  “I’m sorry.” Valeria’s soft voice tinkled down the line. “I’ve been travelling to source some items for the Ball. Unfortunately, some of the areas do not appear to have any signal. So, my intense friend, what can I do for you?”

  “We’ve had this discussion before, but I’d like to give you a heads up before the gossips get to you.” Cassius took a deep breath. “I’m letting it be known that I don’t agree with the hunting of Witches.”

  He paused, knowing his friend well and she didn’t disappoint, butting in, “You will make some enemies, Cassius. But, of course, you are well aware of that. Aren’t you?”

  “Yes.” Cassius bit the bullet and carried on, “That’s not all. I’m putting it out there that Witches will be safe here. In fact, I’m actively seeking a Witch right now. I have a young woman who’s been injured and she needs a Witch to heal her. If not, then she may die and as she was attacked right outside my home, I feel responsible.”

  “My dear Cassius, you are too kind for your own good sometimes.” Valeria laughed softly for a moment. “But, as always, I’m in your corner. You know if there’s any throats needing ripped out, then I’m your gal.”

  Cassius grinned. “I sure do know that. You are one of the most beautiful women I know, as well as being one of the deadliest. I appreciate the support, and if you get a bead on a Witch, then please let me know.”

  “I’ll put some feelers out for you, honey. Leave it with me.”

  “Again, thank you.”

  Cassius was just about to say goodbye when she added, “I would like to offer you some of my men.” She giggled like a schoolgirl. “Not my men, but my guards. I think you should have as many as you can get your hands on right now.”

  “That’s a good idea. Send them over and I’ll get them settled.” Cassius sighed. “I think there may be a few fights over this and my stance on uniting the species. Best to have as many guards as possible.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” Valeria replied seriously. “We need to unite on this, Cassius. Together, we’ll be unstoppable.”

  “I hope so, Valeria.” Cassius let out a long breath. “At times, I wonder if it will be possible, but then I think on the alternative and my resolve hardens. There is no future for any of us if we don’t make this work.”

  “We can do this. Don’t ever think we cannot.”

  “You always know how to get me back on track.”

  Valeria’s laughter tinkled in his ear as she purred, “Now, if only you were my soul-mate, then everything would be perfect.”

  Cassius knew she had feelings for him, but he’d always thought on her as a sister. Not once, in the hundreds of years he’d known her, had a lustful thought about Valeria entered his head. He also knew it upset her.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Nothing to apologize for, Cassius,” she said graciously as his thoughts wandered to the injured woman in his bed.

  “I need to go and check on the patient. Let me know if you can get your hands on someone who can help her.”

  “I will, and I’ll see you in about a week. I’ve some other items to source for the Ball, but I’m hoping to have them in my hands soon.”

  “Okay, see you soon. Oh, Valeria, take care out there.”

  Her laughter was a little cold this time. “Anyone stupid enough to get in my way will soon find out I am most definitely not the lady I portray. Take care, Cassius, and watch your back.”

  “Same with you. Goodbye for now.” Cassius hung up and thought on everything he wanted to achieve. Knowing his path was a dangerous one, but also knowing he had to do it.

  Nothing was going to stop him from bringing the species together and forging a better world for them all.

  Brendan kept his speed as fast as was safe as they made their way towards New York. He’d been surprised at the way Kuan had coped with the grueling journey so far, and the pace he’d set. Only stopping when absolutely necessary, and mostly at the side of a deserted highway. On the few occasions they’d spent some rest time within a building, Kuan had muttered under his breath and assured Brendan that they would be safe.

  The first time, Brendan had refused to rest, keeping watch for hours. When he’d heard the approach of some undesirables, he almost morphed in case he had to take them on. He watched the very tough looking gang as they stopped right outside the building they were in.

  Vampires. His eyes locked with the leader as his adrenaline kicked in, readying him for the fight he was certain to come.

  However, it appeared the man didn’t see him, and Brendan shook his head slightly to see if the movement would catch the Vamp’s attention. Why he did that he wasn’t sure, because it was a way to make sure they would attack. But the man didn’t flinch as he continued to stare through the broken wooden slats of the window where Brendan stood.

  As if he was invisible.

  If the man’s sight was compromised, then surely he’d scent him. Brendan was certain that these were Vamps and they should’ve been able to scent him from streets away. But, again, nothing, no sign that they knew he or Kuan were there.

  Brendan had been shocked and turned to see Kuan sitting up
and smiling benignly. When he’d questioned the man, he’d only repeated that they were safe and that Brendan should rest. Very weird indeed, and Brendan had looked on the Chinese man differently from that moment on.

  He had power, but what and how much, Brendan had no clue.

  He’d checked in with Seth, who’d said he was about three days away from Manhattan, and Brendan thought they were about the same. With the pace he’d set, they’d made up a lot of time, but when they got there, he knew he’d need to rest for a full day to regain his strength. His body protested at the way he was pushing it as his Wolf howled in complaint at not being let loose. He was one of the fortunate Wolves who could morph at any time of the month. Not ruled by the Moon’s cycle, but it also meant his beast liked to roam free every few days, and they just didn’t have the time to stop and allow it its freedom.

  Well, it’d just have to bide its time and wait until they reached their destination. He wasn’t stopping for anything other than enforced rest. Even those were only short periods of napping before he urged Kuan back onto the bike and he sped off again. So far, not once had the old man complained. Good. Because if he did, Brendan had every intention of leaving him behind.

  His one, his only, thought was to get to his daughter as quickly as possible, and nothing would stand in his way. Nothing.

  * * *

  Rose slowly came awake, her head feeling even worse and her comprehension that something really wrong was going on within her. She couldn’t think straight, her thoughts jumbled and making no sense as she fought to clear the fog. It was dark outside and the room was dimly lit by a lamp in the corner. Her mouth felt bone dry and her lips cracked and sore. As she tried to move, she realized something was in her hand. She looked down to see a needle inserted on the back of it, taped on, and a thin tube snaking its way upwards to a plastic bag full of liquid.

  Panic flared inside as she looked at it, not understanding what it was or what was being forced inside her body. A small moan escaped her as she tried to remove the tape holding the needle in place. Seconds later a hand covered hers as a soft voice tried to soothe her.