Hunter's Blood Special Edition (Cursed by Blood Saga)

by Marianne Morea

  “I bet that kid would do headers off the Council table if we hadn’t moved it earlier,” he replied with a chuckle.

  The immense Council table had been cleared from the center of the hall, and its crested chairs moved to the wall, each resting under its matching banner.

  “I can’t believe you moved that massive slab. I’d have sworn it was a permanent part of the décor based on its sheer size alone. I know you’re strong, but jeez...”

  Sean grinned. “Though I’d love to take all the credit, I did have some help. Weres have been hefting that table for years, so we’ve got it down to a science.

  Lily grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing tray and took a sip. “Wouldn’t it just be easier to leave it and use it as a high table or maybe decorate it?”

  Sean glanced at Rissa, and groaned playfully. “Your new best friend over there would never let me hear the end of it. She claims it gets in the way of dancing.”

  “Dancing?” Lily coughed, nearly choking on the word.

  “Yup, and that means you and me. I’m the Alpha of the Brethren, and we open the Ball with the first dance.”

  Lily swallowed, not wanting to seem like a baby. “I thought that was just at weddings?”

  “Nope,” he shook his head, enjoying her discomfort a little too much. “The unflappable Lily Saburi, afraid of a little waltz around the dance floor. Who would have thought?”

  “That’s not fair, Sean. You never said a word about being the opening act,” she huffed.

  He laughed. “Why else would I be wearing a monkey suit? Have another glass of champagne and relax. It’ll be fine.”

  Rissa was right when she compared the Ball to Oscar night. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Sean was gorgeous in a classic black tux. The athletic cut tailored perfectly to highlight his broad shoulders and narrow waist. As always, he was clean-shaven, yet his standard military hairstyle was slightly longer on top, giving him a sexy mussed appearance.

  Butterflies winged around Lily’s stomach as he kissed her hand and excused himself to speak with a few of the guests. He was stunning, and he was all hers, even if it meant she had to do an impression of Dancing with the Stars to prove it.

  “What’s the matter, opening night jitters or just leftover indigestion from Mitch forcing you to taste everything at the game dinner?” Jack Cochran asked as he came up to stand beside Lily.

  She shot him a look. “Does everyone know I’m the entertainment tonight?” she said, feeling herself blush at the lieutenant’s put-on.

  “Nah, I just wanted a chance to talk to you. Besides, Sean’s never been able to do the first dance before. By law, it’s got to be with his mate, or at least someone in the running. Be happy. It says a lot about your relationship. Speaking of which, how have you been holding up? I’ve missed hanging out.”

  “Pretty good, I guess, but I’d have thought you’d be tired of me by now.”

  He shrugged. “Not entirely, although I was getting pretty good at babysitting the alpha’s lady, even if it isn’t my dream job,” he stopped and looked at her thoughtfully. “But then again, I’ve never met anyone so game for anything.”

  Lily’s stomach churned at the word game. “Again with that word. That game dinner was an experience I never want to repeat. I know Sean wanted me to get up close and personal with everyone and everything, but that was pushing it.”

  Jack snorted, giving her a lopsided smirk. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it, but come on, you didn’t enjoy the Elk Parmesan? What about Mitch’s Bear Fricassee?”

  “Quit it, Jack.” Lily said, smacking him on the shoulder. “You’re going to make me lose my lunch, and velvet isn’t exactly easy to clean!”

  His eyes swept her face and her dark curls, his gaze appreciative as he trailed her cranberry colored gown and every curve, lingering on the deep v-cut of her off-the-shoulder bodice in a smooth once over.

  “I guess I wouldn’t want to do that, now would I?” he murmured.

  “Ha! Nice try, but you can sell the smolder to someone else tonight. I’m taken, and you know it. You wolves are all the same. Horn-dogs at heart!”

  He sniggered. “I know, but you can’t blame a guy for trying.” He paused, a genuine smile replacing his trademark smirk. “Don’t be a stranger…okay?”

  She went up on her tip toes and gave his check a peck. “Not a chance.”

  “Not a chance at what?” Sean asked, stepping to her side as Jack walked away in route to a statuesque blonde by the bar.

  “Nothing,” Lily said, smiling up at him.

  “Is he behaving himself, or do I need to remind him who’s boss?” Sean said with a smirk, and Lily knew he had seen Jack flirting with her.

  “Jack certainly likes the ladies, huh?” she added, gesturing with her drink in the young wolf’s direction. “But he’s harmless enough. At least with me. All bark, if you know what I mean.”

  Sean followed her line of sight, a deep chuckle rumbling in his throat. “The blonde is one of Volkmann’s nurses. If you believe the chatter around the Hunter’s barracks, this one’s got him wrapped around her finger.”

  “Really?” she replied, impressed anyone could tame the irreverent wolf.

  “Really. He and a few of his bunkmates weren’t too happy about being assigned to help out at the clinic, but with Parr stirring animosity every chance he gets; I need people on the inside to protect Volkmann’s research. With the vaccine proving itself to be a success, the last thing we want is sabotage.”

  She glanced at Jack and then back at Sean. “Parr trying to discredit us is one thing, but he wouldn’t stoop so low as to endanger everyone’s lives? Would he?”

  Sean sighed. “I certainly hope not.”

  From the corner of her eye, she caught Edward standing off to the left of the bar, and staring at Jack with his eyes narrowed.

  “What’s the matter?” Sean asked, concerned.

  She shook her head. “Nothing. But it looks like putting Jack in Volkmann’s backyard was a smart move after all,” she added, gesturing toward the man’s dagger-eyed stare.

  As if Parr knew he was being discussed, he turned his scowl on Lily, her skin prickling from the weight of his gaze. “He gives me the creeps,” she muttered, making a face as she broke eye contact.

  With a smile and a nod, Sean raised his hand giving Parr a little wave. “That’s okay. If he wants to play political dodge ball, then bring it on.”

  “Sean…”

  But before Lily could say another word, the conductor stepped in front of the orchestra and tapped his baton. Sean licked his lips, obviously changing focus. “That’s our cue, love,” he said, grinning at the look of panic on Lily’s face.

  As the overture to Gershwin’s, Our Love is here to Stay, poured from the bandstand, Sean tucked her arm in his. Wide-eyed, she walked with him to the center of the floor, mumbling, “This is going to be a disaster,” under her breath, but loud enough for him to hear.

  He led her around in a circle to the sound of the crowd’s applause, showcasing his beautiful partner.

  “I don’t like this, Sean, I feel like a show dog.” she protested through a forced smile.

  Flashing a predatory grin, he slid one hand around her waist and pulled her just close enough to kiss her cheek. Trust me,” he murmured, and with his fingers splayed across her back, guided her around the floor.

  Cheers echoed through the room as Sean twirled her around the floor, her gown swirling in a rush of velvet. Rissa’s faced beamed, and Mitch shot her two thumbs up. The music swelled, and Lily relaxed into Sean’s arms, letting the beautiful strains take her, when in a sudden disharmony of instruments, the music stopped.

  Edward approached the podium, and all eyes followed as he took center stage.

  “What’s the meaning of this, Edward? Explain yourself.” The alpha demanded.

  “Oh, it’ not me who has to explain themselves…it her,” he said with his finger pointed emphatically at Lily.

  S
ean took a step forward, his displeasure with Edward’s effrontery seething beneath his surface calm. “Edward, this is neither the time nor the place. Any debate involving Lily has been adjourned until after the holidays. Look around, does it look like our festivities are over with?”

  Edward sneered. “Yes, yes…the council is in recess. I know. But this is a matter for everyone, something each and every Were should be made aware of about the woman you’ve paraded around for the past month. She is a murderer.”

  Sean inhaled, letting his breath out slowly. “Everyone knows Lily’s the one who ended Jerard’s misery. That’s no secret, Edward. So, why are you rehashing this?” The room was quiet enough to hear a pin drop, while everyone waited for Parr’s next move.

  The politician shook his head, his expression the perfect affectation of both saddened and hard, but Lily could see the smug satisfaction lurking beneath his faux concern.

  “This has nothing to do with your brother’s unfortunate end, and everything to do with the vigilante you brought into our midst.” Parr swung his hand out, gesturing for someone in the crowd to step forward.

  An unkempt man burst onto the stage, his face red and blotchy, and his movements awkward. He pushed past Edward, nearly knocking him over. “That’s right. She killed my boy in cold blood,” he cried, pointing at Lily. “Murderer! You murdered my boy!”

  The room erupted in shock, and Lily looked at Sean in just as much confusion. “I’ve never met this man before in my life,” she responded, clearly taken aback.

  The man was undeniably drunk as he stumbled across the stage, belching into the microphone. “You never met me, but you met my son in Central Park, didn’tcha? And you shot him dead in the head, just because he was a Were, you murdering bitch!”

  The man collapsed in a flood of boozy tears, and Parr slide his hand around his trembling shoulders in a perfect show of compassion.

  Lily’s eyes flew open as the memory of that night flooded back. Every eye was on her, watching her closely, including Sean. She shook her head, taking a step back.

  “He was attacking a jogger, and had the poor woman backed up against an outcrop of rocks. She was trapped and screaming, so I shot him just as he lunged for her throat. She ran away before he even reverted back to human. It was done in defense of an innocent.”

  Sean nodded once, putting his hand out in a show of solidarity. Lily clasped it, stepping to his side, but her eyes never left Parr.

  Sean raised his other hand for silence. “Edward, this poor man is drunk. It’s apparent he’s chosen to drown his grief in a bottle, and while our hearts go out to him for his loss, he is not from our Compound. We know nothing about him, his situation or his pack.” Sean turned his attention to the man, keeping his tone even and calm. “Sir, can you tell us who you are and where you’re from?”

  The man belched again, causing Parr to jerk his face away, earning a few nervous chuckles from the crowd and a scowl from him. “This is no laughing matter, you Cretans!” Parr hissed.

  Sean held his hand up once more. “Please, sir, I ask you again, who are you and where do you come from?”

  Marcus stepped forward. “I know who he is, boss.” Stunned, all eyes turned toward the burly computer-tech assigned to the Hunters.

  “His name is Angus Flanders. He’s from a pack near Indiantown, Florida. A swamp Were,” Marcus continued.

  The room buzzed, and Lily glanced around at the frowns and stares, not sure if they were aimed at her, or at Parr’s unfortunate pawn.

  “You’re a long way from home, Mr. Flanders,” Sean said, addressing the man directly.

  He nodded, brushing his greasy hair back with his palm. “Yesssir. I am. But I need to set things to right. She killed my boy, and where I come from it’s an eye for an eye. I want my due.”

  “And what is that, exactly?”

  Parr opened his mouth to speak, but Sean interrupted him. “Let the man say his piece, Edward. That’s why you brought him here, isn’t it?”

  Angus Flanders nodded, wiping spittle from the corner of his mouth before taking the microphone from Edward. “I want my due, that’s all. My boy’s dead by her hand, and his mamma died of a broken heart because of it. That girl owes me for the loss of my loved ones. You just give her to me, and we’ll call it even.”

  The room exploded. And Sean raised his hand for the third time, quieting the crowd to a hush.

  “While I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. Flanders, Ms. Saburi is no more a vigilante than you or I. She acted in defense of another.” Sean glanced over at Marcus, and the young man nodded his beefy head, stepping forward. “That’s right. I hacked into the NYPD record archives when I compiled her dossier. Defense of an innocent, definitely. She’s telling the truth,” Marcus confirmed.

  “The jogger filed a complaint later that day about being attacked by a wild dog while running in the park. The location and time all match up with the body the police found the next morning. The NYPD treated it as two separate incidents, but we know better.”

  Edward fixed the husky young hunter with a stare. “You don’t know all the facts, young man. How can you, when Leighton keeps you shackled to fatuous internet searches.”

  At the look on Marcus’s face, Sean exploded. “Enough! You’re responsible for bringing this drunkard into the heart of our holiday festivities. You interrupt the opening dance and cast aspersions once again on a woman who has done nothing but help us. For Christ’s sake, there are children in the room, man!” He paused for a calming breath. “I think you should leave, Edward, and take Mr. Flanders with you. Now.”

  Parr shot Sean a withering look. “I’ll leave, but only after we take a consensus vote. Your postponement of the inevitable ends day after tomorrow, and I would remind everyone here tonight, that facts are facts, and our tradition and laws remain steadfast.

  “This man lost his son, killed in cold blood by her hand. A human against a Were. What say you, people? Do we accept a woman capable of such crimes into our world or do we close ranks? A show of backs in a public shunning will be sufficient for me. Do you agree, Alpha Council of the Brethren?”

  Sean’s lips pressed together in a grim line. He had no choice. If he disagreed, he would look altogether partisan and strengthen whatever argument Parr had waiting for him.

  “Sean…” Lily touched his arm, shaking her head gently. “You don’t have to do this. Don’t make this an issue over me. If I’m not wanted here, I’ll go. I’ll just disappear,” she offered.

  His gaze was soft, but edged with resolute determination. “It’s not about whether you’re wanted or not, love. It’s gone way beyond that. And if you left, I’d find you,” he said, giving her hand a squeeze.

  He let go of her hand and turned to face the crowd. “With a show of backs, who would turn on the woman who has vowed to help us? Hasn’t there been enough sickness and death, enough fear? Haven’t we moved beyond rumor and innuendo, beyond suspicion? Show yourselves and your choices, now.”

  A low hum murmured and grew steadily louder, as arguments erupted in the crowd. Lily watched in dismay. The scene was complete déjà vu from the night the Blood Rites Ritual.

  Mitch waved, letting Sean know he was taking Rissa and Stephanie to safety in case the room exploded into chaos, but before they got to the door, Parr called for quiet and a consensus.

  One by one, two hundred people picked sides, and in the end half had turned their backs on Sean and Lily. The lines were drawn.

  Parr flashed his Cheshire cat smile. “In two days’ time, our deliberations will resume, but it’s clear I am not alone in my interpretation of the law and what’s best for the Weres.” With a nod to Sean, he made a mock bow to Lily, mouthing the words, ‘until then,’ and swept out of the hall.

  The ball was ruined, and people were resorted to either go home or gather in small clusters, their whispers and furtive glances causing the hunter’s to stand in protective formation around Sean and Lily.

  With an aggravated sigh, Lily pulle
d the bobby pins from her hair. She shook out her curls, running her fingers through the dark mass until it fell softly to her shoulders. “Sean this has gone too far. I didn’t sign up for this when I fell in love with you. I know it’s supposed to be for better or worse, but not when the worse affects so many people’s lives,” Lily’s eyes searched his, and then dropped to stare at the tips of her black velvet shoes.

  Slipping his finger beneath her chin, he lifted her face so their eyes could meet. “Parr wants something. I haven’t figured out what it is yet, but I will. I haven’t given up hope on the intelligence and determination of the Weres I’ve come to know and love. I have to trust in that. They know what’s right, and what bullshit is, but Parr’s rhetoric keeps getting in the way. I can beat him at his own game, Lily. I just have to bide my time and let diplomacy do its work, but I promise you now, if forced, I will restore the power of the Alpha and the absolute rule that goes with it to protect you. You’re my life, and nothing and no one will stop me from having you at my side.”

  Lily chewed on her bottom lip.

  He chuckled, even though his eyes were severe. “Whenever you start nibbling on your lip, it’s never a good thing. Are you with me?”

  Lily slipped her arms around his waist, crushing the soft crimson velvet of her gown against his chest. “For better or for worse.”

  Acknowledgements

  When an author publishes their first book, it’s nothing less than a defining moment in their life. Since I began this writer’s journey, I’ve run the gamut in terms of emotion, from ‘no excuses do the work’ to ‘what was I thinking?’ to ‘be careful what you ask for ‘cause you just might get it!’.

  Now that it’s happened, I still have to pinch myself. So many people had encouraged me along the way, even when the writing dragon had me spewing fire and belching smoke at every turn.

  My unbelievably patient husband, Bill, for putting up with the insanity and verbal barrage that goes hand in hand with hours spent glued to my laptop.