Deception (Deamhan Chronicles Book 3)

by Morrison, Isaiyan

  “Spare me your bullshit.” Kenneth couldn’t forget Johanna’s main goal—what she expected to get out of the plan if they succeeded.

  “That’s the difference between you and me.” She stood up. “You still care about rules and the chain of command. I don’t. I’ve spent the majority of my life, like you, serving this organization because I believed in what they were doing. I dreamed of moving up the ladder, securing a strong position, embedding my family’s legacy. But there won’t be any organization or legacy to claim if we do nothing now.”

  “There you go again with that chain of command excuse.”

  “I’m the one who has the connection to the Dorvo coven. Not you or anyone else in The Brotherhood. Be prepared for the consequences if you decide to turn your back on Ruby. I know her pretty well and she doesn’t like broken agreements.”

  They heard a knock on the front door.

  Silencing themselves and standing still, they heard the knock again, but this time it shook the wall and rattled the windows. The mercenary, taking light footsteps, looked out the window. “There’s a guy out there.”

  “Open up the fucking door,” Johanna demanded.

  “I’m sorry, Miss Rahn. I was given orders to—”

  She marched to the door and pushed him aside. She unlocked and opened it. “Please, come in.” She stood aside.

  With her invite, Kenneth quickly knew that the tall male wasn’t a man at all but a Dorvo vampire, sent by Ruby. The mysterious individual walked in, frightening the mercenary who immediately went for his crude stake hidden in his coat pocket.

  Kenneth moved in front of him, stopping his attempt.

  The Dorvo vampire spoke. “I’m here to bring you both to Ruby. The attack is tonight.”

  Johanna twisted her body around, facing Kenneth. “Can’t keep her waiting, can we.”

  His lips pulled back into a twisted smile while in thought. He couldn’t let the scared mercenary warn The Brotherhood. “You must be hungry,” he said to the man. “Have a snack before you go.”

  The Dorvo vampire didn’t hesitate. In a blink of a moment, he was on the mercenary, embedding his sharp fangs into his neck. He sucked violently and Kenneth scooted back to avoid being peppered by his blood. After the Dorvo vampire finished, the creature licked his fingers and wiped the remaining blood from his face.

  “Watching that was fucking refreshing.” Kenneth straightened his clothing and proceeded to the door.

  “So, you feel better now?” Johanna did a double take at the pieces of flesh and body parts strewn across the floor.

  “I feel great.” He grabbed onto the door handle. “But I’ll feel better once I see Nathan and pieces of his Deamhan-shit companions strewn across the fucking front lawn of their sanctuary.”

  1

  DECEPTION. DEAMHAN CHRONCILES #3

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  Tall trees enclosed Anastasia on both sides. Her Deamhan hearing picked up the sounds of crows above and other small creatures scurrying across the ground. She stood facing the remains of a three-story Spanish Revival mansion. The roof had caved in decades ago and the balcony had all but withered away.

  She approached the remains of an archway entrance. The stucco walls were stained with years of dirt and filth, but the home’s crude presence couldn’t hide the familiar scents coming from within its walls. She proceeded onward, finding the first room filled ankle high with dirty rainwater and pieces of roofing tiles. Following the scent, she entered the first room on her left, which resembled very little of what she could consider a proper sanctuary.

  In the middle of the room, sitting on the floor, she saw her offspring, Maris, and her bonded companion, Ayden. They didn’t notice her. They didn’t look in her direction. Instead, Maris lay in his arms with her head on his chest while he rocked back and forth.

  She was dreaming again.

  “Amenirdis, where the fuck are you!” Anastasia screamed out. “I’m tired of these fucking games. What do you want with me!?!”

  The Pure One appeared behind her with dark red eyes. “I’m here.”

  Anastasia spun around. “Tell me why you keep invading my dreams!”

  “You mistake me, Aurelia.”

  “That’s not my name.”

  “My apologies if I made you to believe that was my intention,” she replied.

  “Then what is your intention?”

  Amenirdis gracefully moved forward toward Maris. The urge to protect her offspring forced Anastasia to rush steadily past her and in the Pure One’s path.

  “Look at them, Ramanga,” Amenirdis said while pointing.

  “I’m not taking my eyes off you.”

  “He can’t protect her. Only I can.” She held out her forearm. “Drink. Have my power. Protect her with me.”

  “You don’t need me. You’re strong enough to take Maris. Why haven’t you?”

  “We all have our equals.”

  “Yes, and your equals still sit in Limbo while you’re out here. You haven’t answered my question. Why not just complete the ritual and release them?”

  “I desire more than just bloodshed.” She lifted her forearm to Anastasia’s mouth. “Now drink.”

  “No.” She stepped back. “I won’t be your minion.”

  “You don’t have a choice.”

  In a rage, Anastasia swung at her and Amenirdis easily avoided the attack. She swung again but only to feel the Pure One’s palm smack against her chest, sending her to the ground.

  “You can’t win against me, Auerelia.”

  “I told you. That’s not my name. And just because I can’t win doesn’t mean I won’t stop trying.” She felt her chest vibrate in pain.

  “That’s why Lucius chose you. He knew your determination, your strong-willed nature, would benefit me.”

  “No. He was fooled by you and your gifts.”

  “These dreams I give you are my gift to you.”

  “I don’t want it.” Anastasia stood to her feet. “I don’t want your blood either.”

  “You’ll need it for what’s to come.”

  “I know all I need to know about Revelation. You plan on destroying Deamhan. You prefer a clean slate instead of dealing with the ones who’re living now.” She pointed at her. “I know about your child. I know you want me to serve you. What I don’t know is why you do nothing about the Dorvo coven that wants us all dead. Why do you kill your own and not them?”

  Amenirdis placed her hand behind Anastasia’s head. “Because I have you to honor my will. Now, drink.”

  ****

  “Uhhh, hello? Excuse me? Can’t anyone see that I’m still hungry?”

  Anastasia heard Remy’s voice coming from Nathan’s study. She sat up in bed, wiped the blood from her mouth, and rushed down the stairs. She startled not only him but Hallie, Enlai, and Alexis when she walked into the room.

  “Do you have the amulet?” She didn’t waste any time in questioning him.

  “Amulet?” Nathan eyed Remy.

  “No, I don’t,” Remy replied. “Ruby took it from me.”

  “You knew he had the amulet this whole time?” Nathan’s raised voice was a cause for concern. Suddenly the air grew thick and she sensed their distaste for her. She expected as much, especially from Nathan, who still remained angry about the vampire blood, and Hallie, who felt irritated when she snapped her neck.

  “Wait. Let’s solve this issue about my hunger first,” Remy said. “Then we can talk about the amulet.”

  “If you’re hungry, eat,” Anastasia replied.

  “But I want vampire!” He whined.

  “Since when did you start eating vampires?”

  He responded briefly with a nod. “Since I had a taste of Alexis.”

  The vampire snarled and pushed him back. “Try to do it again and I’ll fucking take your head.”

  They began to argue, further increasing the tension in the room. Anastasia witnessed Nathan, still weak, sit back in his chair and place his hand on his foreh
ead in thought. With Amenirdis’ blood pumping inside her, she felt her body elevated once again to an uncontrollable height. She planned on using this power within her but not against them.

  She knew exactly what had to be done.

  “You should all go back to Lambert’s place. I’ll stay and wait for Ruby and her coven to arrive.”

  The arguing ceased.

  “And do what? Fight them all?” Alexis asked.

  “If I have to.”

  “You can’t fight them all!”

  “I have to agree with my delectable meal on two legs,” Remy added. “You’re capable of putting on a good show but not when you’re outnumbered.”

  “I’ve been up against much worse.”

  “You’re no fucking goliath,” he replied. “They’ll kill you.”

  “They can try.”

  “Oh c’mon, Ana, you’re no martyr.” He glanced into her eyes and upon seeing that she wasn’t lying, he jerked his head back. “Don’t tell me you’re having one of your sympathy bouts again?”

  “They’re coming, whether we want to admit it or not.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice.” Alexis turned for the exit. “Stay if you want, but I’m outta here.”

  “Take Nathan, Remy, and Hallie with you.”

  “Who said I’m leaving?” Nathan finally spoke up.

  “I said,” Anastasia answered him. “Alexis, give him a few drops of your blood. He can’t travel the way he is now.” She turned to Hallie. “You wanted to stay by Nathan’s side. Now you can.” Her eyes moved to Remy. “When you’re healthy, go to San Diego and save your Veronica.” Finally, she pointed at Enlai. “And go back to your orphans. You’re not needed here anymore.”

  “I’ve given enough blood tonight.” Alexis said, refusing.

  “And I’m not going to drink hers,” Nathan added.

  “I don’t care what you all want anymore.” Anastasia didn’t know what her next words would do to her already fragile relationship with him. “There’s a time to swallow your pride and to do what's necessary to stay alive. I’m staying so that you can all survive.”

  “They outnumber you two to one,” Enlai added.

  She eyeballed him. “Did you not understand me? I said that you’re not needed here.”

  Remy chuckled. “Pissing on her friends before going out in a blaze of glory. Typical Anastasia.”

  “Either that or we all die. Your choice.”

  They stood quietly, contemplating her long and blunt ultimatum.

  “While I’d love to see you all die, my Lambert wouldn’t want that.” Alexis rolled back the right sleeve of her shirt.

  “Well, you just might get your wish if Amenirdis has her way and starts Revelation.”

  The vampire walked toward Nathan and he moved back.

  “No.” He held out his arms to push her away, but Alexis easily forced him still. She bit into her wrist and let the drops of blood cascade down her forearm and into his mouth. Nathan’s struggle moved Hallie’s eyes to change shape, yet Remy calmed the timid Deamhan. When Alexis finished, she watched her small wound heal on its own.

  “He’ll never forgive you for this,” Enlai whispered to Anastasia.

  “Forgiveness won’t keep him safe.” She nodded to Alexis. “One last thing. Make sure he arrives at Lambert’s home safely.”

  “I’m not you errand girl,” she said in protest.

  “You are until Nathan’s safe.” She moved toward the exit.

  Defiant, Hallie yelled out to her, “This coming from someone who wanted to run.”

  Anastasia looked over her shoulder. “This isn’t about running. It’s about surviving. I know that now. Leaving isn’t an option anymore. Not for someone like me.”

  ****

  Anastasia stood on the front lawn of the manor, digging the tip of her boot into the hardened soil. She didn’t want to think about how quickly she lost Nathan’s respect. It took her years to gain his trust, yet one simple demand from Alexis made it just a memory.

  She heard the door open behind her, followed by Remy’s scent. The Lamia, still weak, joined her on the front lawn.

  “Nathan’s pissed. I don’t think I’ve seen him like that before. Ever.”

  “If you were him, wouldn’t you be angry as well? I know I would.”

  “I feel like you’re more comfortable with people hating you than liking you.”

  “Perhaps.” Her thoughts moved to Maris and the horrors her offspring went through in her early years.

  Remy gazed at the stars. “If you stay here, Ruby will kill you.”

  “I know.”

  “No, Ana. You don’t. This isn’t the same Dorvo vampire you made a deal with centuries ago. She’s more maniacal and hell bent on seeing an end to our kind, and I—for one—wouldn’t want to be here when she arrives with her slimy coven behind her.”

  “Do you think I want to be here?” She looked to him. The moonlight helped reveal partially healed scars on his face, including a red line around his neck. “What did she do to you?”

  “Anything and everything,” he replied. “I’m surprised she didn’t break me sooner.”

  “Did you tell her anything?”

  “I wouldn’t give that bitch one word to help her.” Noticing her interest in his neck wound, he covered it up with his hand. “Don’t worry about little ol’ me. I’m a survivor.” He smiled.

  For once she enjoyed his company and wanted him close by.

  “She thought she could somehow find the translation for the Curse in my head.” He knelt and rubbed his hand over the grass.

  “Vampires can’t leech information from our minds like an Ancient Deamhan.”

  “You think there’s a Deamhan on her payroll?”

  “I wouldn’t be a surprise if there was.”

  He rubbed his palms together. “But I wouldn’t worry about that. She has the amulet. Thank God she doesn’t know what it can do.”

  “Not yet.” Anastasia folded her arms. “You were stupid to take it with you.”

  “What can I say? I don’t think when it comes to matters of the heart.” He tapped his hand lightly over his left breast. “So, what’s with the Lugat?”

  “Enlai?”

  “That’s his name? Yeah. Who is he?”

  “Kei’s offspring.”

  “You can’t be serious. Really?!”

  She nodded. “There’s a Deamhan sanctuary in the city. I went there, thinking I could get support, but all I found were young and inexperienced kids who hated everything about me. Lambert said he told you about it when you went to see him at Dark Sepulcher.”

  “Oh, yeah. I remember. Recruitment is not my thing. You think you can trust this ‘Enlai’ guy?”

  “Do I have a choice?”

  Remy looked back at the manor. “He seems like he wants to help.”

  “Only to secure his survival. What other reason would there be when it comes to Deamhan?”

  He hummed. “Nathan won’t leave this place without a fight. Alexis is probably going to have to persuade him with her vampire Jedi mind tricks.”

  “Whatever it takes.”

  “Well, if this happens to be the last night of our lives, we should go out guns ablazin’.”

  “I’m doing this alone.”

  “That’s what you think.”

  “What about Veronica?”

  He shrugged. “San Diego can wait. Besides, I’m still holding you to your promise.”

  “You’re in no position to stand with me, Remy.”

  “All I need is a little nourishment and I’ll be back to my old self again.” He stood to his feet. “There has to be a damn rabbit or something to eat around here, somewhere.”

  1

  DECEPTION. DEAMHAN CHRONCILES #3

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Dark clouds billowed in from the west, bringing with them lightning and droplets of rain. Anastasia stood in the front yard of Blind Bluff Manor with her head tilted slightly back. She felt each
wet speck pounce against her skin and wash away the dirt, making her feel reborn.

  She accepted her fate. If it was to be her last night alive, she’d make damn sure to take as many Dorvo vampires down with her as she could. All the while, she couldn’t help but to wonder if her age and strength were enough. Amenirdis’ blood still circulated in her veins, to be used as some kind of boost if she deemed it necessary.

  Nathan was the first to step outside, followed by Hallie, Enlai, and Alexis. Remy returned from his brief animal hunt, holding onto a limp rabbit. “In case you get hungry along the way.” He handed it to Hallie.

  “Why do you have to stay?”

  “You know I love to throw down. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

  “I don’t want to go. I want to stay here with you.” Her eyes filled with rage. “We should stick together. We can take them.”

  “Aww, don’t worry, my littlest Deamhan. We’ll be fine.” He patted her shoulder. “Besides, you have to look out for Nathan.”

  At first she nodded in agreement but again, her feelings took over and she quickly changed her mind. “Why can’t we just wait inside the house and protect it?”

  “You know why.”

  “They can’t get in unless we invite them.”

  “Hallie, not now.”

  “I’m not useless, you know.” She raised her voice, loud enough for everyone to hear. “That’s what she thinks.” She pointed to Anastasia.

  He took her by the wrist and forcibly lowered her arm. “We all have complaints, miles long, about her and what she does. But when it comes down to it, she gets the job done. We need to show these Dorvo vamps that we aren’t Deamhan to mess around with, if you get my drift.”

  “And what happens if you die!” Her voice carried in the wind. “What about me?” Her eyes went dark.

  “I told you. I’ll be fine.” Refusing to see the conversation escalate any further, Remy let her go. “You’re acting impulsive, but I get it. I do.” He rubbed the side of her cheek. “Watch your back, littlest Deamhan.” His eyes moved to Enlai. “Hey you. Come here.”