by M. K. Dawn
“Seven,” Ethan said from her left. Samantha hadn’t even noticed they’d sat down. “Seven on the boat; seven sacrificed themselves.”
“You know of six of them—the Immortal Council. The seventh was Euphenia.”
Evie slid closer. “What happened to her?”
“That’s why I brought you here. To finish Guinevere’s story.”
Darrien groaned. “Another story?”
“I think this story pertains to why you’ve come here. Your reason differs from Luther’s. He sent you here so the witches could put back in place the hierarchy he and other Council Members created.”
“How do you know that’s not what we want, too?” Ethan asked.
Silvaria laughed. “Never in my life have I ever known a werewolf who wanted to see the vampires rule.”
The room grew quiet and Samantha asked, “How did you know they’re werewolves?”
“The same way I know you both are vampires.”
“Which is…?” Evie asked.
Silvaria’s eyes twinkled. “Magic.”
This back and forth was getting them nowhere. “Why did you ask us to meet you here?” Darrien asked.
“Like I said, to finish Guinevere’s story.” Silvaria steadied her breath.
Darrien stood, taking Evie with him. “Enough with the runaround. Samantha, Ethan, let’s get out of here.”
Ethan stood but Samantha hesitated. She wanted to hear what the witch had to say.
“Wait,” Silvaria waved them back, “you’re here because you want to know if there is a way to break the werewolves’ tie with the vampires so they may stay immortal without having to drink vampire blood.”
Darrien narrowed his eyes. “How could you have known that?”
“Sit. Please,” she patted the rug again, “and let me tell you how the werewolves and vampires are connected.”
Samantha looked up at them. “Please.”
The others sat back down, more cautious than before.
“Guinevere told you how the Primordials became vampires, but she didn’t tell you what happened after they found out how they were cursed. With their heightened emotions, the guilt from the countless lives they’d taken was beyond unbearable. They tried everything they could to tame the monster within, but nothing worked. The only thing they could think to do next was reverse what they had done: renounce the God of Darkness.”
“Was that possible?” Samantha asked.
Silvaria lowered her eyes. “They believed it was, but as Guinevere said, the God of Darkness demands a sacrifice. The new spell their own blood would not work as it had already been tainted.”
“The other witches?” Evie guessed.
Silvaria shook her head. “No. Human blood. From a powerful line at that. Chiefs, tribe leaders—any who ruled. They sent out seven groups of witches to search for such people.”
Samantha cocked her head. “The witches? Why would they help?”
“Because not only did they fear the Primordials, but the black magic the Primordials summoned had spread within our tribe. They hoped if the Primordials denounced the God of Darkness, the black magic would leave the coven.”
“Did it work?” Ethan asked. “Because none of the witches we met appeared to be evil.”
Silvaria tilted her head. “Their ceremony took place after the sun went down. What do you think?”
“They didn’t find the seven they needed?” Evie asked.
“Six, actually.” Silvaria’s eyes fell on each of them. “Euphenia had a change of heart and refused to go along with the others. It’s said she had a vision of the horrors that would befall the world if the spell took place, and she could not live with herself if they came to light.”
“But the others continued?” Samantha asked.
“Yes.” Silvaria tapped her fingers against her knee. “Under the full moon, they took the six men out, fed each of them Primordial blood, then slit their throats. Their blood saturated the exact spot each of the Primordials had thrust the daggers into themselves.”
Samantha stared at her hands. “But the spell didn’t work.”
“Not in the way the Primordials intended.” Silvaria’s eyes fell on Evie and then Ethan. “The men woke the next day and the Primordials feared they had created more monsters like themselves. But the God of Darkness…he had a more sinister plan in mind. A punishment, if you will. He stripped away a sliver of the Primordials’ immortality and created a creature that could kill them.”
“Werewolves.” Ethan breathed out the word. “He turned them into werewolves.”
“Yes. Their teeth strong enough to rip through vampires’ flesh. Claws, that when driven into a vampire’s heart, kills them.” Silvaria’s voice was flat, monotone.
“Who were the first werewolves?” Ethan rubbed the back of his neck.
“I think you know the answer.” Silvaria gave Ethan a moment to reply. When he didn’t, she offered a weak smile.
“What?” Evie gasped. “No, it can’t be. Our father? It can’t be.”
“I believe he was the second of the Primordial Wolves to have perished,” Silvaria confirmed. “The first was Nikko’s father.”
Samantha bit at her lower lip, exhausted from the overload of information. “So vampires created werewolves?”
“The God of Darkness created the werewolves and tied their mortality to the vampires,” Silvaria clarified.
“Why would he do that?” Darrien asked.
“I told you earlier: there is always a balance. The God of Darkness still wanted his vampires to walk the earth and to create more of their kind. He also wanted the same for his wolves. He had to find a way to keep them from them killing each other off. That’s why werewolves can kill vampires but need their blood to stay immortal and vampires cannot drink the blood of a werewolf.”
“How does that keep vampires from killing all the werewolves?” Darrien asked.
Silvaria smiled. “Maybe I should have said ‘makes the vampires pause before taking on a beast that could defeat them’.”
“So, is there a way that werewolves no longer need vampire blood to stay immortal?” Samantha asked, ready to get out of there and back to bed.
Silvaria’s eyes widened. “You need to get back to your room. They are coming to check on you.”
Darrien stood, agitated. “All the secrets and for what? Another damn story without a point. I know history is fine and dandy, but shit. Give us something to work with here.”
“I’m sorry.” Silvaria stood. “There’s more you need to know, but we are out of time.”
Ethan helped Samantha off the floor. “How do we know we can trust you over Guinevere?”
Silvaria straightened. “Did she tell you that you and your sister have both been cursed? One to with heightened emotions and the other with dulled ones?”
“What?” Ethan and Evie said in unison.
“That’s what I thought.” With a flick of her hand, Evie and Ethan crumbled to the floor, each with their arms wrapped around themselves.
Samantha fell beside Ethan. “What did you did you do to them?”
“Removed each of the curses. The pain won’t last but a few moments. I’ll speak with you soon.”
A flash of white light surrounded them, followed by a gush of air. On the wind, Samantha heard Silvaria whisper, “Back to your hut.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
“Holy shit,” Darrien gasped as if someone had knocked the air from his lungs, “we’re back in our hut. She used her witchy magic and made us disappear.” He ran his hands over his body and sighed. “Looks like all of me made it back. How about the rest of you?”
“We’re here.” Samantha kneeled beside Ethan and brushed his damp hair from his face. “They’re both still in a lot of pain.”
Darrien scooped Evie in his arms and laid her on the loveseat. Then placed Ethan on the couch. “She said it wouldn’t last long. They're burning up; maybe a cool washrag will help?”
“I’ll grab them.�
�� As Samantha turned for her bedroom, there was a knock at the door.
Their eyes met and then fell on Ethan and Evie.
“Should we hide them?” Samantha asked.
“No.” Darrien covered them each with a blanket and whispered, “If you could not scream out in pain while I get the door, that would be great.”
“And if they want to speak to them?”
“We’ll cross that path if we come it.” Darrien walked to the door, his feet steady and calm while his insides trembled. “Who is it?”
“Laras. May I speak with you for a moment?”
Darrien cracked the door and forced a yawn. “Sorry for the delay. We’re asleep. Guess the others didn’t hear the door. How can I help you at this time of night?”
Laras’ eyes swept over Darrien. “You sleep in shoes? Your clothes?”
“No,” Darrien’s facade didn’t falter, “I dressed to answer the door. You never know when you’ll have to step outside. Plus, didn’t think coming to the door in my underwear was appropriate.”
“I see.” Laras peered over Darrien’s shoulder. “And the others, you said they’re asleep as well?”
Darrien scooted over a few inches to allow Laras a better glance, hoping Samantha got out of the door’s line-of-sight. “The journey to get here sucked. We’re all exhausted.”
Seemly satisfied, Laras straightened and turned his focus back to Darrien. “We hope you have found your accommodations satisfactory. Is there anything else you need?”
“No,” Darrien smiled, “we have more than enough. Thank you.”
“Guinevere will be pleased to hear that. She will come by tomorrow to discuss with you how the witches plan to help the predicament the Council has created.” Laras bowed his head. “Good night.”
Darrien closed the door and slumped against the wood. “Great. How the hell are we going to explain to Guinevere that our werewolves are no longer cursed?”
Samantha patted Ethan’s forehead with a wet cloth. “I think the cool water is helping. Evie doesn’t feel near as hot as she did when I first put the washcloth on her forehead.”
“Did you hear what I said?” Darrien grabbed two glasses and filled them both with water.
“I did, but there’s nothing we can do about it right now. Let’s first worry about getting them through this. They don’t seem to be in as much pain as they did a few minutes ago.”
Darrien set the glasses on the end table between the couches and stared down at Evie her skin pale and clammy. “How long do you think before they wake up?”
“Ethan,” Samantha whispered, “can you hear me?”
“I didn’t mean you had to wake them right this second.”
Samantha scrunched her nose. “Hush. I need to know they’re okay.”
Ethan moaned and squirmed before opening his eyes. “Ouch. What did she do to us? How’s Evie?”
At the sound of her name, Evie’s eyes fluttered open. “I really wish people would stop screwing with my head.”
“Do you need some water?” Darrien kneeled beside her and offered her the glass as she moved to sit.
“Thanks.” She drank the water down without coming up for air.
“Not going to lie,” Darrien took the empty glass, “I’m impressed. Want more?”
“Please,” she said without looking at him, eyes instead focused on Samantha.
Darrien stood and locked eyes with Samantha. She had the same cautiousness about her eyes he felt. Evie seemed different, but he didn’t want to say anything—not yet.
Samantha swallowed so loud Darrien could hear the gulp from the kitchen. “Are you feeling better, Evie?”
She launched herself at Samantha before anyone could stop her. Ethan grabbed for his sister, but she pushed him away.
“I’m so sorry,” Evie sobbed.
Samantha waved Ethan off, then wrapped her arms around Evie as the two females cried together. “It’s okay.”
Evie backed out of her embrace and wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I couldn’t help all the horrible things I did to you; couldn’t keep all the nasty things from leaving my lips. Something in my head kept forcing them out. The anger at even the thought of a vampire enraged me to the point I could think of nothing else. I don’t know what came over me.”
Ethan fell back on the couch, head in his hands. By the look of him, he too was struggling with his own demons. But they could only deal with one werewolf mental break at a time.
“Silvaria said you and Ethan were both cursed. Your werewolf instincts make it so you dislike vampires. If someone cursed you with heightened emotions, that would explain your hatred for me,” Samantha looked at Darrien, “but why didn’t you feel that way towards Darrien?”
Evie’s face flushed. “I…I’m not sure. I’m exhausted. Can we finish this tomorrow?”
“Sure…”
She rushed to her room and slammed the door.
Samantha plopped down on the couch. “That was weird.”
Darrien tipped his chin towards Ethan. “You got him? I’m going to go talk to Evie.”
“You think that’s a good idea?”
“An upset werewolf and vampire alone in a tiny room. What could go wrong?” He reached for the handle of her room and found the door unlocked. “Evie, I’m coming in.”
He found her sitting on her bed and even in the dark he could see her body trembling.
“Don’t turn on the light.” Evie’s voice quivered. “I can’t bear to see the look on your face.”
Darrien approached her slowly. “What look?”
“Pity. Disgust. Disappointment. I’m sure there are more; take your pick.”
He flipped on the desk lamp before kneeling before her. “Evie, look at my eyes; that isn’t how I feel.”
Evie shook her head, eyes squeezed closed. “I can’t. I’m so embarrassed.”
He brushed his fingers along the top of her hand. “About?”
“The way I acted. How I threw myself at you repeatedly even after you made it clear you wanted nothing to do with me in that way.”
“Listen, Evie,” Darrien grasped her hand, “not wanting you had nothing to do with my rejections.”
Her eyes flickered to him before she jerked her head away.
“Evie,” with the tip of his finger under her chin, he brought her face back into view, “my rejection was to protect you. I knew eventually you would return to your old self again and if I had given in to your advances while you were in that state…”
“What?” Her lower lip trembled.
“I didn’t think you would ever forgive yourself. Or me.”
She sucked in a raspy breath. “I don’t understand why I hated every other vampire but you.”
“Silvaria said the curse heightened your emotions.” Darrien didn’t know how to put into words why he thought she acted the way she did. He had a guess, but to tell her would mean speaking on her behalf, which he didn’t want to do.
“My emotions? Like my attraction,” she cleared her throat, “towards you?”
Blood raced to Darrien’s groin; it was a reaction he wished he could control—had been struggling to control every time Evie made an advance.
“Sorry,” She pushed off the bed. “I shouldn’t have said that. It’s obvious you don’t feel the same way. You can’t even respond.”
Darrien scrambled to grab her hand before she was out of reach. “It’s not that.”
She whirled around. “It’s fine, Darrien. You don’t have to sugarcoat anything for me. I’m a big girl, I can handle the truth.”
“The truth is,” he pulled her close until their bodies were nearly flush, “that I have spent weeks living in a state of self-deprivation grasping on the shreds of what little integrity I have left.”
“You don’t have to say—”
He held his index finger to her lips. “I’m not telling you this to make you feel better, I’m telling you this because I need you to understand the only reason I didn’t give in to you
r advances was to protect you.”
Her lips came together and he dropped his finger. “Thank you. I hate the person I became under the curse. Never in my life have I ever been so bold. Or so cruel.”
“The mean Evie sucked. But the bold Evie?” He let out a low whistle.
“Stop.” She swatted at him, an unsure smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I can’t even think about it without my face burning.”
Darrien caught her hand. “I’m not going to lie, when it first started, I struggled. But the more it happened, the more I realized how much I missed the old you. How sexy you looked tugging at the hem of the oversized t-shirt you wore to sleep in even when you thought I was asleep. The way you blushed the first time I made an advance at you in the room we shared.”
She frowned. “You were drunk that night.”
“Doesn’t mean I didn’t mean the things I said.” He stepped closer and placed her trembling hand against his chest. “Same goes for you. Just because you were under a curse doesn’t mean you didn’t mean the things you said.”
Her breathing quickened.
“Am I wrong?”
She shook her head and whispered, “No.”
Darrien’s lips grazed hers and he suppressed a moan. “It’s been a hell of a day. Do you want me to leave?”
She took a step back and moved her hand from his chest, keeping their fingers intertwined. With the most breathtaking smile he’d ever seen, she led him towards the bed. When the back of her legs hit the mattress she paused, dropped his hand and starting at the top of his pants, eased his shirt over his head, setting his body ablaze.
He went to do the same and she smacked his hand with a seductive grin.
Darrien couldn’t help but lower his head and chuckle.
Inch by inch, she lowered the sleeves of her dress and removed her top, leaving in its place a lace bra that didn’t seem to serve any purpose but to drive him mad.
As she removed the rest of her dress, a light sweat broke out along Darrien’s brow. The ache in his groin bordered on painful and this little show she was putting on for him hurt. “Honey, as much as I love what you’re doing, it’s killing me. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve made love to a woman?”
