Remembering she’d set the Jeep’s key on the nightstand, she ran over to get it. Once she grabbed the key, she tied it on the pants’ drawstring and quickly jammed her feet into her shoes.
Moving quietly, Ariel walked to the window and hooked her leg over the edge. Before she climbed out, she turned to listen to the fight on the level below, her stomach tensing in fear for Jachin. Downstairs, furniture scraped across wood and glass crashed to the floor amid the sound of fists hitting bodies, male grunts and primal growls of anger.
As if he sensed her hesitation, Jachin’s angry voice entered her mind once more. Now, Ariel, damn it!
That was all it took.
Ariel gazed out the window to the bushes twenty feet below her and wondered how well the seemingly thick foliage would break her fall.
Time seemed to slow down as she dropped. When she landed, she was sore all over but glad nothing seemed to be broken. Ariel climbed out of the bush and took off in a run toward the front of the house, her heart hammering. She’d take the path along the stream and make her way back to the Jeep. Glancing up through the trees, she knew she had very little time before the sun went down and the vampires came out to hunt.
“Survive, Jachin, and so will I,” she whispered before she took off in the direction of the stream.
Ariel ran for two miles through the woods. When she spied the Jeep they’d left on the side of the road, she breathed a thankful sigh of relief and picked up her pace for the last few hundred feet.
Once she reached the banged-up Jeep, Ariel got inside and tried to catch her breath. Saying a silent prayer, she slid the key in the ignition, punched the clutch and turned. The engine whirred stubbornly several times before it finally kicked to life.
She’d only driven about a mile when steam started rolling out of the front of the Jeep’s crumpled hood. Glancing at the temperature gauge, her spirits plummeted. The indicator was on “hot.” The engine was overheating—and the sun had nearly disappeared.
The Jeep made it another half mile before the engine died completely.
As the vehicle rolled to a dead stop, someone landed in the passenger seat beside her, saying in a smug tone, “Damn, you’re having one helluva day.”
Ariel gasped at the blond vampire who’d tried to run her car off the road earlier. She had assumed he and the other vampire with him had died when his car went over the mountain. Blood crusted his forehead and scrapes showed through the tears on his clothes, yet he still managed a cold, deadly smile, fangs on full display.
Ariel started to jump out of the Jeep, but a stocky, dark-haired vampire blocked her path. “Think the two weres will kill him, Vlad?” he said to the blond vampire next to her.
Vlad exited the Jeep in one fluid movement. “It doesn’t matter. We’ll be long gone before he’s able to come after us. Grab her and let’s go.”
As Vlad dragged Ariel through the woods at a fast clip, the evening’s full arrival carried her thoughts to Jachin. Had he defeated the weres? Or had they defeated him? Her heart sank at the thought.
Jachin growled like a man crazed, his heart thumping. Landon’s living room looked like a war zone already, but Jachin didn’t have time for an all-out brawl. Ariel was out there and it was getting dark.
He slashed out a warning with his talons as the last werewolf circled around him. He’d already knocked the first were out. The beast inside him had roared for him to finish this once and for all, but he knew he might need Landon’s help. Murdering wolves from the man’s pack wouldn’t help his cause. If he wanted to create goodwill, he had to extend some himself…and that meant leaving the men breathing.
“I have another pressing engagement. Can we get this over with?” he egged the man on.
The Lupreda snarled at him and clenched his fists by his sides, his breathing growing heavier by the second. His shirt hung from his shoulders in shreds and his chest oozed blood from Jachin’s earlier blows. He and the other werewolf had gotten a swipe or two in with their own claws, but Lupredas’ claws were no match for Sanguinas’ razor-sharp talons.
Right before the stockier Lupreda dove at him, Jachin noted something strange in the man’s eyes. They glowed a bright green color.
Jachin slammed into a wall with the force of the man’s hit. The impact knocked the wind from his lungs and surprised the hell out of him as he dropped to the wood floor. He could’ve sworn the man felt heavier and had hit him harder with that blow.
Sheetrock fell around them, giving him a chance to shove the man across the room. Furniture crashed with the were’s landing, but the man immediately jumped to his feet and shot toward him.
Jachin blinked in surprise when the werewolf’s shoulders began to jerk, his knees bend and his height increase as he grew at least a foot taller. A primordial sound erupted from the were’s throat at the same time his jaw started to elongate, tightening his skin and sharpening his features.
How the hell is he shifting outside the full moon’s three-day cycle? Jachin wondered, temporarily stunned. Despite his altering form, the were continued forward, slamming his fist into Jachin.
Pain exploded in Jachin’s throat and his vision dimmed. He spun away from the Lupreda’s blow and for a second he thought he was going to pass out. The werewolf jumped on his shoulders, and Jachin shook his head, letting out a battle cry. He grabbed the werewolf’s hands, pinning the man to his back. Once the Lupreda fully shifted to wolf form, he’d be much harder to catch and his claws far more dangerous.
As the werewolf growled in his ear, Jachin flexed his thighs and jumped backward across the room, slamming himself and the were into the brick fireplace.
When the half-morphed man’s head slumped against his shoulder, Jachin blew out a heavy breath, grumbling, “It’s about damn time.”
He walked over to the werewolf lying in the middle of the living room floor and tossed the second werewolf over his shoulder to land with a thump beside his friend. Once he was out cold, the second were began to shift back to his human form.
Jachin rubbed his neck as he considered what the Lupredas’ broader shifting freedom would mean to the Sanguinas. Glancing past the open door, tension began rising within him. Dusk had arrived. Ariel was out there alone with vampires hunting her. Tensing, he turned and kicked the overturned couch back over to find his backpack.
Slinging the strap over his shoulder, he gave the two unconscious men one last growl before he took off running out the front door.
Ariel’s stomach churned when the vampires set her down at the entrance of what appeared to be an old, abandoned mine. Moonlight shone through the old planks nailed to the outside frame along the mountainside, reflecting on a pile of huge caved-in boulders inside the entrance.
Vlad grabbed her head and made her duck under the planks. Once all three of them stood in front of the crumble of rocks, her throat began to tickle at the realization she’d be going in but never coming out.
She couldn’t see in the darkness, but Vlad must’ve pushed some hidden button. Rocks rubbed against rocks. She pulled back, expecting the mountain to come down on their heads. Vlad gripped her arm to keep her still and Ariel stared in surprise as the entire “wall” of rocks behind the boards began to slide out of the way.
As soon as they ushered her past the threshold, the rock wall slid back into place behind them. The vacuum sound doused the cavern into total blackness, making her throat knot. She froze at the total lack of light.
Vlad’s fingers dug into the soft flesh on her arm and he growled in her ear. “This way.”
Wings flapped above them. Bats. Heart jerking, Ariel bit back a scream. She stayed right behind Vlad while putting her free hand out to her side to keep from running into a stone wall.
Several minutes passed, drawing them farther into the confusing maze. With each step they took, her panic mode inched upward.
Vlad suddenly stopped. More rocks rubbed along rocks. Her insides cringed at the horrific noise as dim light filtered through the open rock wa
ll.
Vlad hauled her beside him once more and stepped out of the mine into a small cleared area surrounded by trees. Stars twinkled through the thick foliage, the moon providing much-appreciated light.
Though she was thankful she was finally able to see a little, Ariel knew she’d never be able to find her way back through the maze she’d just walked through on her own, even if she could get past the guards. Sheer helplessness squeezed her chest as she noted the two men standing on either side of the entrance they’d just exited.
Gripping his automatic weapon, the tall, blond-headed guard glanced at her. “I wish I could say it was nice of you to bring us breakfast, Vlad.”
“I’m sure bringing this human here is pointless, but by doing so we’ll prove once and for all Ezra’s prophecy was nothing but sickness ramblings,” Vlad snorted.
When they started to walk away, the shorter, dark-haired guard asked, “Is it true Jachin has survived all these years?”
Vlad paused and his laugh sounded bitter. “Stay alert. If he’s still alive, he’ll head this way.”
“For the human?” the blond guard asked.
Vlad glanced at Ariel. “He was trying to bring her here. My guess is he planned to use her to get back in Braeden’s good graces.”
“He won’t get past us.” The sharp-featured, dark-haired guard scowled, holding his gun up.
While they followed a path through the woods, Ariel’s heart sank at Vlad’s last comment. She was a peace offering in Jachin’s need for approval with the leader of the vampires? The realization that the man’s agenda could be so selfishly personal and not for the good of his race—that she was nothing more than a puzzle piece to be moved to his strategic advantage—made her nauseous.
Deep emotional hurt roiled her stomach, doubling her over. Pulling from Vlad’s hold, she retched in the thick grass until dry heaves racked her frame.
“Worthless and weak!” Vlad spat, grabbing her arm and hauling her along beside him.
Ariel didn’t care what he called her. Nothing could hurt her more than Jachin’s sheer betrayal. She must’ve really come to like the man on some level if his treachery hurt this much.
The smell of puke filled her nostrils and a sharp acidic taste coated her mouth as she lifted her head. She wiped her hand across her lips and pushed her shoulders back, determined to face her enemies with a spine of steel.
They’d only walked through the woods for a little while when a huge castle-style mansion, standing off in another clearing, came into view through the wall of trees in front of her. She began to tremble all over—not from fear but from eerie familiarity. From the high walls to the shadowed outline of the gargoyles gracing the turrets, the mansion was exactly as she’d described in her novel.
Upon entering the castle, they walked into a great-hall-style main room. Hundreds of sconces lining the tall walls, highlighted a petite woman with long, curly dark hair. She separated from the crowd, her long violet dress hugging her curves as she approached them.
“Braeden is with Vivian at the moment.” The female vampire’s deep blue gaze skimmed over Ariel. She reached out and encircled Ariel’s wrist with her small hand. “I’ll take her and make sure she’s cleaned up for him.”
Vlad’s fingers tightened around Ariel’s arm. “She stays with me.”
The woman raised her nose in a regal pose and narrowed her striking gaze. “Would you have him take his anger out on you because she wasn’t presentable?”
Vlad glanced disdainfully at Ariel’s soiled and crumpled clothes. “Bring her back here when you’re done,” he said, letting his hold slip from Ariel’s arm.
When the woman turned to lead Ariel away, Vlad grabbed the female vampire by the back of the neck and yanked her toward him. Her hold on Ariel’s hand slipped away from his rough treatment.
Vlad ran his nose along the column of her throat, then laid his extended fangs against it. “For allowing you this honor, I expect to be amply compensated, Mira.”
She pushed away from him, her nostrils flaring. “When he returns, he’ll kill you for taking what was never yours to take.”
Vlad laughed and clapped the stocky vampire beside him on the shoulder. “Do you hear that, Aaron? Even after ten years of desertion, she defends him.”
His dark gaze narrowed on Mira and his voice turned harsh. “After you take her to Braeden, you’ll submit to me as my mate. Don’t expect the council to challenge my desire to increase the clan’s population.”
Mira whirled around, her eyes flashing as she grabbed Ariel’s hand once more. Stunned by the ruthlessness that seemed prevalent in all vampires, Ariel allowed Mira to lead her from the great hall and down a corridor lined with more sconces and doors along either side.
The entire time she followed the vampire, Ariel looked for places to escape or hide, but she couldn’t decipher what doors might lead to another room versus an exit.
When Mira finally stopped, opening a door on their right, Ariel gasped at the opulently decorated room. Persian rugs lined large sections of the stone floor, and tapestries of intricate designs decorated the walls like living murals. A huge crystal chandelier hung from the high ceiling in the middle of the suite. An ornate four-poster bed sat at the opposite side of the room. The place oozed sophisticated elegance.
The female vampire pulled Ariel fully into the room and shut the door. “How is he? Is he well?”
Ariel was confused by the expectant look on the woman’s beautiful face. “How is who?”
Mira moved with elegant grace toward a doorway off the main room. Walking into the other room, she called out, “Jachin. It has been ten years since I saw him last.”
Chapter 10
A riel had considered rushing out of the room as soon as the female vampire left her alone, but Mira’s question made her pause. Her heart cinched at the woman’s question about Jachin. Suddenly all Mira’s comments to Vlad started making sense. Mira must be Jachin’s lover. The thought fisted Ariel’s stomach.
But she had to know the truth. She followed the sound of rushing water and walked into the room Mira had entered.
The woman leaned over a beautiful black porcelain tub. She held her hand under an ornate silver pipe that protruded from the wall, allowing the water to flow across her fingers. Ariel wasn’t surprised the Sanguinas didn’t have traditional water systems way up in the remote mountains. But there was only one pipe, which meant the water had to be one temperature—freezing cold.
“Um, I took a shower not too long ago.”
Mira glanced at her over her shoulder. She gave a knowing smile. “You look like you haven’t bathed in days.”
Ariel stiffened. Her body sported so many scrapes and bruises she felt like a well-used voodoo doll. “You try being dragged through miles of woods by two vampires with the possibility two werewolves might be hot on your trail.”
Mira straightened, her amused expression turning serious. “Two weres?”
Ariel nodded. “They attacked Jachin. He told me to run. Unfortunately, I ran right into Vlad and Aaron.”
“And Jachin?” Mira asked, clutching her hands to her chest.
Ariel rolled her eyes at the woman’s concern. “Your lover is a hell-bent vampire. I seriously doubt those two weres could defeat him.” She realized she spoke the truth. She believed Jachin would defeat them.
Mira’s eyes crinkled. She began to laugh so hard tears formed in her eyes.
Ariel didn’t appreciate being the brunt of some unknown joke. She crossed her arms. “I’m so glad to be a source of entertainment for you.”
Wiping tears from her eyes, the petite woman tried to compose her face, but her blue gaze still held mirth. Reaching out to Ariel, she said, “Take off your clothes, and while you bathe I’ll explain my amusement.”
Ariel shook her head. “I’ll wait until you leave.” No way was she stripping in front of Jachin’s lover. Even if nothing had happened between Jachin and her, the attraction had been there. She didn’t want or n
eed to be scrutinized by a genetically perfect superhuman female.
Mira chuckled as she reached into the tub. When the vampire flung a handful of water toward her, Ariel gasped and lowered her arms at the frigid temperature that splattered her face and neck.
Cupping another handful, Mira held it for a second and said, “If I don’t stay, another vampire will take my place. Let me help, Ariel. I’ll warm the water so your bath won’t be frigid,” right before she tossed the water her way. This time the water splattering against her felt wonderfully warm.
Ariel’s eyes went wide in surprise.
“Surely Jachin told you we can control our body temperature.” Mira sat on the edge of the tub and swirled her fingers in the water. “I’ve learned to broaden my powers beyond my own body over the years.”
I’ll just bet you have, Ariel thought, clenching her jaw. No wonder Jachin saw her as inferior to those in his own race. But if she was going to have to take a bath in someone’s presence, she’d choose Mira over Vlad or Aaron.
Mira leaned over the tub and swirled her hands through the water several times. After a few minutes she straightened. “It should be warm enough to keep you from shrieking now.”
“Can I at least have bubbles or something?” Ariel asked after she quickly removed her soiled clothes, stepped into the tub and sank into the water until it covered her breasts.
Mira sighed and turned her back to Ariel. “There’s some soap and a sponge on the shelf next to the tub.”
Ariel had just picked up the soap and run it down her shoulder when Mira said, “Don’t forget to remove your earring.”
“Um, thanks.” Ariel removed her right earring and then started to take out the other one only to find her left earlobe empty. She frowned as she thought back to the last time she’d been wearing both her earrings. Her cheeks burned at the possibility she might have lost one of them in Landon’s bedroom while putting on his borrowed clothes. And she’d given him a hard time about clichés!
Scions: Resurrection Page 14
