by Hayley Todd
And he felt the same. That might’ve rocked me even more than the realization about how I felt. When we had met, I had been nothing to him except his ticket to power. But things were different between us now. I had forgiven him for what he had done and it seemed to have made us even more inseparable. Something had grown there and I was terrified to face it.
Carson was mine and I was his. We had a connection too. A different one but it was there. He felt like the person I wanted to be with. Anton felt like someone I needed to be with. I was fighting desperately to make that choice on my own. Want or need?
Kellic’s peered up at me while I pondered, watching me with a shielded gaze. I turned to face her fully. She was underfed. Not in food, but in blood. Her skin was ashen, her eyes dull. Something in me twisted in pain at the sight. She looked like a shell of herself.
After several silent seconds, she swiveled her feet slowly from the bed to the floor and hunched forward, her elbows on her knees. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?” she asked bitterly.
A fountain of dark and hateful thoughts erupted from her mind. I grimaced, the volume piercing my head.
Anton cleared his throat and as he did, a ripple of calming energy flowed over me and into the cell. The voices didn’t silence entirely but they faded into obnoxious background noise. I could function over it.
I was about to speak when a tiny sound brushed me. I hesitated. It felt familiar yet...not. I focused more solely on it and clarity seized me.
I had found her. The real Kellic. Beneath the maddening screams was my best friend. She was sobbing. Well, not really. But the image the thing sent to me was it’s equivalent.
Every part of my body froze, ice clenched in my chest. She was drowning beneath that hideous darkness.
“Why are you here?” she said softly.
I took a deep breath, washing the stiffness from me. “I wanted to see you,” I replied, “to see how you were doing.”
She laughed harshly. “The sights not the greatest is it?” She fanned herself with one hand like Vanna White.
I knelt down, sitting outside of the cell’s wall. “You’ve looked better,” I said with a small smile.
She softened at that. “I shouldn’t have messed with that thing. And neither should you,” she said sternly.
I couldn’t help the warmth that filled my cheeks right then. “Why did you? When did you?” I asked, deflecting.
She sighed. “I found the amulet during the tour.” She paused, watching me, then flicking her eyes to Anton before bringing them back to me. “I notified Damien who...told me to keep it away from you.”
I stared at her blankly and for a moment felt that this being wasn’t Kellic at all. My best friend would never keep something like that from me? Right?
“In the process of keeping it away from you,” she continued, “I decided to start...playing with it.”
Her fingers twitched while she spoke, as though needing to hold something but she didn’t seem to notice.
“The gem amplified my abilities. Especially my healing ability. I...tested it a lot.” Her eyes swung to the floor, refusing to meet either of our gazes. “At our return, I gave the amulet to Damien. It didn’t get to bed until…”, her eyes swiveled up to mine, “until you started using it.”
I went completely still. I could feel Anton’s eyes on me. They were cold, but not angry. “I had to,” I barely whispered. “She’s taking over his mind.” The excuse sounded dull, even to me.
She smiled softly. “I don’t blame you.”
That might’ve made me feel worse.
“Why didn’t Damien want me to have it?” I asked her.
She bit her lip and grimaced before speaking. “It is most powerful and most dangerous to those whose abilities are further into the realm of the mind,” she said hypnotically, as though it were a mantra.
I wanted to argue, to defend the use of the necklace, but the raging desire to snatch it from my pocket and employ its power ran through me, agreeing with her.
“I’m not telling you not to use it. I’m telling you only that you shouldn’t. It is powerful, but it is also punishing.”
“How do we fix it?” I begged, leaning closer to the glass. She looked so lost and helpless in there.
She sagged into herself. “I don’t know,” she replied.
Then, like a force unreleased, the angry thoughts came rushing back. They pummeled me with their ferocity.
Kellic leapt up, slamming herself into the glass like a raging animal after their prey. The first slam did nothing, so she hauled back and slammed herself at it again. The cell wall shook but made no difference.
Alarms started blaring up and down the hall. Red bulbs of shimmering light pulsed.
I glanced over to Anton who was a heap of numb limbs beside me. I cried out, the sound unable to be broken into words. I hurled myself at him and scooped him into my arms.
He was heavy but my vampire strength enabled me to drag him away from the cell just as thumping footsteps rounded the corner. A dozen men dressed in heavy militaristic uniforms swept past us, not even sparing us a glance. Weapons were leveled on Kellic who sat in a twisted position, her head swiveling toward us. Her eyes were entirely black from one corner to the other.
An unnerving shiver rushed down my spine. I lifted Anton with me and sped away from the cell, unable to share another gaze with that thing. I couldn’t bear for Kellic’s round eyes to stare at me with that alien nature buried inside.
I brought Anton straight to my suite. He hadn’t flinched or wriggled through the entire trip back. I had him on the couch by then and sat on the floor beside him, watching him.
I kept my legs pressed to my chest, my arms wrapped tightly around them. The infamous amulet dangled from my fingers. I had done all I could for Anton. I had given him plenty of blood. All that was left was to wait.
Despite all the warnings and all the signs driving me away, I felt a stronger urge than ever to take up the gem. And after hours of Anton’s stillness, I couldn’t bring myself to fight it anymore.
My free hand lurched up, snatching the amulet against my skin. And as easy as that, I was yanked down into a bottomless pit of energy.
I blinked hard, the harsh light feeling differently against my eyes suddenly. I’d been staring down the sunset flickering across the waves for a while. Only now though did the gesture suddenly burn my vision.
I looked aside, crawling back to my feet as the seeping darkness began. Like something tangible slipped into my blood, a depression like every single thing had gone wrong for every day for the last year. I instantly felt regret. Regret for vacationing, regret for feeling that dark, regret for being here with Val.
I jerked, pulling myself to my feet. Even the sun was beginning to burn. I didn’t burn. It was a benefit of my hybrid nature.
What was that? Regret being here with Val? Why would I regret that? I’d been having a decent time. Where did all that bitterness come from?
I shook myself and made my way back up the beach to the resort's side entrance. A tall, wiry man ducked into the shade of the UV treated windows when I opened the doors. As they swung shut he scurried up to me with a fluffy beach towel. I took it, not sparing a glance back.
My room was empty when I returned. That was odd. Usually Val or one of Tatya’s goons were nearby. They were sure I was going to be abducted or something. As if I couldn’t hold my own.
My audible scoff still echoed from the rafters of the room when I spied a slight glow in the corner. It wasn’t still, wavering gently under my attention.
I stepped closer and it was like my vision cleared a little. The light solidified into the figure of a beautiful woman. She was way shorter than me and had long dark hair in a sheet over one shoulder. She peered up at me with blue eyes the color of a crystal clear spring morning.
She lifted a thin hand up and I let her fingers brush my cheek. The blue-white color emanating from her formed shimmered and faded until she appeared
normally before me.
I hadn’t moved a muscle when she slammed into my chest, flinging her arms around me. Her skin was cool like Val’s. She shook against me and it took me several thought clearing stretches before I could realize she was sobbing.
“Hey, hey,” I gasped immediately. Her tears felt like kryptonite. I drew her away from me, lowering my gaze to hers. “What’s wrong?” I breathed. I hadn’t expected her beautiful countenance to knock the air from my lungs.
She tried so hard to smile through her tears. I somehow knew deeply that it was not an entirely happy smile. She chuckled and rubbed at the tears on her cheeks. “I missed you,” she said and even her voice made me want to take her into my arms and never let go.
A commotion at the door made her go as still as a statue. She gasped a microscopic intake of breath before she lunged back into the shadows. She held a finger up to her lips and seemed to fade into the darkness. I stared after her until the door swung open and Val and Tatya herself swept into the room.
I forced myself to relax, letting some of that hungry energy emanate from me. I kept it subtle, so they’d barely notice it was happening.
Valeria engulfed me in her embrace, pressing her face to my chest. I might love Valeria but there still always seemed to be something inherently off about her touch. It was like I only loved her enough to tolerate it, not want it. But I didn’t want her anywhere else either.
After several seconds, Tatya cleared her throat. It took several more moments for me to disentangle Val from me but she finally stepped away grinning.
“Anyway,” Tatya said as though continuing a statement. “They’re getting closer.”
Valeria sighed that way she did when something wasn’t going her way. “Who would’ve known that little bitch would be so attached to my man.” She pouted. The statement made me cringe. I hated those words.
But instead, I gave her a half grin and stepped away, sitting on the bed nearest to the hidden woman. I had decided I would protect her though I wasn’t certain why.
“Can’t I just kill her?” Val asked in a whiny tone.
Tatya’s head snapped toward her. “No. Absolutely not. I have my own plans for her,” she said with a darkness in her gaze.
Valeria stiffened at the dominance in her voice. She approached Tatya slowly.
Tatya sighed and removed her jacket, nearly ignoring Valeria. “This is really not how you want your day to go,” she barely whispered.
Valeria took another step before she halted and straightened, unbothered. “You do not speak kindly to your elders,” she growled as she settled onto the bed beside me.
I couldn’t help the stiffness that rolled down my limbs. The woman was so close. I hoped my aura blocked the faint presence I had felt from her. Valeria grabbed my wrist, forcibly cuddling my arm.
“I can’t believe you lost my necklace,” Tatya hissed, settling into a chair near the door. She held her hands outstretched, dark energy pooling between her palms. She stared into the depths.
“It could be a problem if she obtains it,” Tatya said. She looked so much like Valeria that it was shocking. She seemed a bit younger, her hair slightly more platinum, her violet eyes a touch more brown, but otherwise, they were nearly identical.
Valeria coughed, drawing Tatya’s eyes to hers with suspicion. “What do you know?” she growled. For a human, she obtained the mister growl with perfection.
Valeria looked to me, then back to the woman. “I found her...in his head...a few days ago,” she supplied finally.
Tatya sputtered which would’ve been funny if not for the murderous purple glow in her eyes. “And you didn’t tell me why?” She hissed.
Valeria sighed. “I wasn’t certain at first. But when I pushed her out, she fought back, hard. It’s had my magic reduced for days now.” I couldn’t help an intake of breath at the news.
Tatya cursed. “Valeria, you come with me. We must get the others and begin the spell. There’s not much time left.”
Valeria leapt up, turning to look down at me. Her violet eyes blazed. “Stay here. Don’t answer the door for anyone but me,” she commanded. I felt the burning desire to obey.
With a crushing kiss to my lips, she and Tatya retreated back the way they’d come. I listened to them depart and when I felt confident they were gone, I called to the girl.
“It’s alright. You can come out now. They’re gone,” I said. The shadows shifted in place until she stepped out again. She really was stunning. She was tall and slender, with enticing curves along her hips. I couldn’t help but stare at her.
She stepped forward, placing her hands on mine. Kyra. Kyra Lucius. The name was wrenched from my psyche. It had been something I’d known. She forced it to the forefront.
“Kyra,” I breathed, the name tasting delicious on my tongue.
She nodded, her round blue eyes watching me carefully. Kyra. The name sent aches of need and desire through my limbs. Was she a succubus? Did she possess that same latent draw? Had she gotten her hooks in me?
I was sure I hadn’t said the thoughts aloud but she looked at me hurt all the same.
“I’m not a succubus,” she said, releasing my hands. She paced the floor before me. Despite the serious moment, I couldn’t help but find the gesture adorable. “I’m a Magick. And you know why you feel drawn to me.”
She pressed her fingers to my chest and peered up at me.
I wasn’t aware that I had moved when her thighs slid over my hips. My hands were fisted at her hips, tugging her closer. I needed her. Right then. Right there.
She kissed along my collar and shoulders. Yes, I knew this bond. I wanted her because she was mine. For an incubus, that meant one of two things and one, truly meant the other.
Either she was my true love and I truly loved her in return. Or, we were imprinted. And the latter option could only happen because of the former.
I knew as she melted into me that she belonged there. Her touch was mine, her pleasure, mine. Her back was bare as I brushed my hands over it, only a skirt still on her frame. My chest pressed against hers, my shirt gone as well.
I knew it was right, she was right, when I sank my teeth into the soft skin beneath her ear. If she hadn’t already intoxicated me, she definitely did then. Like she was my beginning and my end she encompassed me.
And as though they were shot through me like bullets, memories came pouring in. I did love this woman. With my heart and soul. She had saved me at a time when I’d needed her. And I’d never even told her.
I released her only a moment before she returned the favor, drinking heavily while I floated in my own semi consciousness.
Then the door swung open and Valeria lurched in screaming, “No!” At the top of her lungs and flinging violet speers of energy at my love. They skirted wife of me, well controlled. But though Kyra had been fast in leaping away from me, one of the bolts found home in her gut and her image shattered like glass.
Chapter Thirty-Two
I sprang away from the body beneath me, my fingers going immediately to my belly. Though on this side, there was nothing there, it didn’t stop the round wound or blood welling out.
Anton gaped up at me, blood running from his neck down his chest. He was breathing hard and staring, eyes wide, at the impact. There was blood all over him, across his torso and down his jeans.
He leapt up, sweeping me into his arms and laying me on the couch he’d vacated at some point. “Ohh no no no,” he whispered. He bit into the flesh at his wrist and held it out to me.
My weakness made it clear that I didn’t have any other options. I bit down, letting his blood heal me and fill me. And I can’t say I didn’t enjoy it.
When my breathing came easier I leaned away from him. He was staring at the blue gem laying on the floor. Then he peered up at me.
“It wasn’t me, was it?” he asked softly.
I couldn’t find the words so only shook my head. He nodded and rose, finding a throw blanket that he settled over my shoulders
, covering my naked chest.
He busied himself in the kitchen and after a moment, the smell of coffee flooded the room. “So, you used it anyway,” he said calmly.
I sank in my seat, unable to look at him. I’d thrown myself at him like a lovesick girl. He didn’t seem to be disapproving of it, but it bothered me to my core.
“I had to,” I said in barely a whisper. I didn’t know why I felt guilty about needing my boyfriend but I did.
Anton gathered two mugs and sat beside me, handing one of them to me. I took it, staring into the light liquid. He knew how I liked my coffee.
I sipped and he sat quietly beside me. After I’d downed about half of my cup, he finally spoke. “What did you see?” He said at long last.
The words hung in the room, accompanied by a flickering recap of thoughts in my mind. I had simultaneously been as much Carson as myself in those moments, living lives on different levels of my consciousness.
“Mm,” Anton hummed suddenly, his eyebrows raised. “That explains a lot.” I didn’t think he was aware of the hand that he dashed across his chest.
“Yeah,” I said quietly.
I couldn’t decide if I liked that or not. I had merely recounted the events and he had pulled them from my mind, likely as emotions instead of the cinematic thoughts that I saw.
Sorrow brushed against me, just a touch. I shivered, drawing farther away from him unintentionally. He glanced at the distance between us and sighed.
“You need to feed,” he said as though nothing had happened.
I glared at him.
A soft smile appeared on his lips and he gestured toward his bare chest. “Come on. I’m ready and willing.” He speared me with a seductive gaze.
“I can’t. I just...can't.”
I followed swirls of carpet beneath my feet. He pressed his palm onto my knuckles and squeezed. A layer of understanding and strength filled me.
