by Nikki Landis
I was thrown to the ground as a dozen deep slices cut into my skin and I screamed, the pressure of a thousand pounds landing on my chest. My lungs ached, my bones were crushed, and I felt my heart stutter. Seconds from bursting apart, Roman released me and grinned wide in triumph.
I lay there, unable to move. Blood spurted from between my lips as I gasped. My chest could hardly raise and lower as I had difficulty breathing. A funny rattling sound echoed from within my chest. No amount of healing would save me. I was a dead woman. My head lolled to the side and I met the horrified gaze of the traitorous vampire who betrayed everyone for his own selfish agenda.
The look on his face was one I couldn’t discern.
Dmitri tilted his head back and roared, his rage filling the room as he moved to attack Roman. He sped forward with a sudden burst but was flung to the side as he met some sort of forcefield, launched backward as his head cracked against the wall so loudly it sounded like thunder. A venomous, painful bellow echoed within the stone walls before his body fell limp. I had no idea how long it would take for him to recover. Was it only minutes or hours until the rest of the vampires awakened as I watched their bodies twitching and repairing, healing at a rapid rate?
Roman lifted my body from the ground and held me up in front of him, laughing lightly as I fought against his hold. My magic was weak, but I wasn’t going to give up. Not now. I had to protect my aunt and Gypsy and my Cosan.
“I’ll kill you.” My threat was weak and almost laughable with my current circumstances.
He was unaffected by my response. “I admire your will to survive.”
“Mark my words, I will take you down, Roman English.”
“You’re in no condition to be so defiant. Accept my terms and I will restore you to full health.”
I remained silent, refusing to answer.
“Join me, Cassandra. Combine our magic and ancestry and we’ll rule together. Our power will be unlike anything the ancestors have ever seen. We can tear the veil open wide enough that it stays that way forever and all immortals will have to seek us for permission to cross it. We’ll be magnificent,” he shouted, his hand resting against the side of my face. “Join me, my precious witch. Seal our fate as one.”
“Never,” I spat, droplets of my blood landing on his cheek. I didn’t care about his demands and I didn’t want to hear them. Roman was completely deranged.
He growled in anger, flinging my body into the nearest wall as he wiped the side of his face. “You have defied me for the last time.”
Roman’s hands began to glow as he chanted, a lime green mist swirling into the room amid apparitions of multiple skulls. The spell was one I knew – death. Muerte. Just like Kayde had used in the Ether when the serpent attacked me, and I was separated from my Cosan.
Laughing painfully, I rolled to my side and pushed myself to standing, leaning against the stones for support. I was badly injured but not dead. The power of the ancestors began to fill me greater than before as a rush of their energy flooded my system. Each cell, muscle, and vein were renewed. Clinging to every ounce of their strength, I let it fill my frame until I could hold no more. My body began to heal at an alarming rate, and I knew I had Damian and Dmitri to partially thank for this. The combination of both the vampire brothers, my witch friends, and my ancestors was euphoric.
I stood tall and proud as Roman’s eyes widened.
“Impossible!”
He wasn’t prepared for my full recovery or the Howe family legacy to suddenly rush through my veins. Speaking with power and authority, I hurled the incantation at Roman and began to siphon all the deadly magic of the death spell. The raw burning evil crawled beneath my skin, but I held the dark magic captive. Captured and hovering above my skin, the skulls and lime green mist began to tremble with the full power of a ruthless witch. They recognized my authority and remained still to await my command and the vengeance so close I could taste it on my lips.
Roman yelled as he tried a new spell, conjuring demons from Hell to accompany him as he slit his wrist and blood dripped from the open wound. The ground began to quake as fissures opened up in front of us. Smoke, flames, and heat doused with humidity escaped with a hiss from the Underworld below. His jaw clenched in determination, but I could see he wasn’t getting the desired result. Too much of his energy had been taken as I siphoned from him.
Blades appeared in his hand as I heard a loud crash. Blinking, I couldn’t believe the man who rushed into the room, hitting Roman with an anti-magical shield and then multiple spells that knocked him flat on his back, staring up at us with shock.
Kayde shouted my name and I recovered, reversing the spell as it landed on Roman. The green mist entered every open orifice of his body as he began to scream. His body trembled and shook as the skulls floated above his form and then sank into the layers of his skin as they disappeared without a trace. Roman cried out as he convulsed, vomiting dark red blood all over the ground.
“Noooooo!” he wailed, unable to fight the strength of his own death spell.
Such irony.
I watched in horrified fascination as the fissures began to close and Roman’s body was tugged by blackened hands into the abyss below. He fought as best he could but was no match for the demons that longed to sink their claws into such an evil creature.
Kayde smiled as the ground finally closed up and nothing remained but the stench of rot, ashes, and metallic blood. Saying his name, I was shocked when he smiled softly, a look of total adoration on his face. Kayde approached but stopped when Damian’s body fell free of the chains. I rushed forward and caught my vampire lover as he slipped. We fell to the ground together, but I was happy to know he wasn’t permanently damaged.
“Damian, wake up, please.”
‘Cassie?’
‘Damian!’
He slowly opened his eyes and held me closer, his gaze sweeping the room. With a groggy voice, he asked about our mutual enemy. “Where’s Roman?”
“Dead,” Kayde replied with a hollow tone. “Thanks to Cassie.”
“And you,” I added, unsure if this was the last moment I would ever see him again. “Thank you.”
Kayde lowered his head in acknowledgement, our eyes never meeting.
Damian stood, his body trembling slightly, and brought me to my feet, brushing his knuckles across my cheek. ‘Glad you’re alright, precious.’
“Yes. We did it. We made it,” I choked, burying my face into his chest. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”
He smirked. ‘Don’t worry, my lovely pet. I can prove later how robust I feel.’
I shivered in response, glad he could joke around after what he’d just endured. “Your brother is injured but should recover. Roman tried to destroy him.”
Damian cursed in my head and turned to Dmitri’s limp body. “I suppose I should help him and the others.” His jaw locked tight when he noticed all the blood and vampire bodies. “Did they attempt to harm you?”
“On Vega’s command, yes.”
Anger deepened the emerald color of his eyes. “Where is she?”
“Dead, destroyed by Dmitri as he saved my life.”
Surprised, Damian paused before replying, frowning slightly. “He must have had a good reason to help you.”
“I think he wanted to make things right between the two of you,” I divulged. “I don’t think he’s as vicious as he pretends.”
Damian didn’t appear convinced by that statement. “Don’t be fooled. Dmitri is cunning. This is far from over.” He kissed me softly, his lips hovering above my own. “At least Roman is gone.”
“Yes, there’s that.” My fingers lifted, tracing his jawline with tenderness. ‘Are you alright? Truly?’
‘Yes, and I’ll be fully healed once I take a quick nip from your wrist.’
“Do it,” I whispered, moving my arm in front of his face.
Damian kept eye contact the entire time as his fangs lightly pierced my skin and he drank slowly, pulling so gently I ba
rely felt a thing. His tongue darted out and licked over the wound as he winked. ‘Thank you, vallah.’
“What’s that mean?” I’d never heard him use the word before now.
‘My beloved.’
My heart melted in response.
Kayde cleared his throat awkwardly and ended the moment as we were sucked back into reality. “Can I talk to you, Cassie?”
Damian nodded as he left my side and approached his brother who was still unconscious across the room. His fast healing abilities were already kicking in now that he wasn’t under Roman’s spell. Both vampires would soon be fully restored. In minutes, they would be as deadly as normal.
“I’m sorry, Cass.” I turned to Kayde, suspicious of his apology and recent behavior. He pulled me to the side, as private as we could be from the others. “I can’t begin to say it enough.”
“What are you sorry for exactly?”
He sighed. “Listen, this was for the best –”
Not that again.
Smacking Kayde a few times, I let loose a wail of frustrated anger. “How could you do this to me? How could you let me think you’d abandoned me? Don’t you dare say it’s the for the best again! I’ll –”
“Hush,” he whispered, throwing his arms around me until I stopped squirming. “It had to be convincing. No one knew, Cass.” He sighed softly as his forehead lowered to my own. “I don’t know how to make you understand this was just as heartbreaking for me as it was for you.”
Sure. Sarcastic bitch mode had launched inside my head and I wasn’t able to reconcile his words with his actions. “Bullshit, Kayde.”
“Cassandra, stop. You don’t have to believe me, but I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t true.”
The rational part of my brain believed him, but my heart refused to listen. “You left me when I needed you.” I leaned back, separating us. Pointing my finger in his chest, I fought back tears. “Soul Eaters almost devoured me while you decided to abandon your promise to help.”
He paled slightly and shook his head. “You don’t understand.” Kayde gulped loudly, grasping my shoulders as he yanked my body closer again. “I had to leave, or I wouldn’t have been there to save you at the right time.”
Scoffing, I wasn’t sure I wanted to hear his excuses. “What are you talking about?”
“I had to be here precisely the moment Roman used that death spell on you. Events had to occur just as they did, in this exact sequence, or you would have died. No other path kept you safe. None.”
“How do you know this?”
“Your aunt and the tea leaves. The Third Sight. Your ancestors chose me for this path, and I had to take it, even if I risked losing any chance of a relationship with you in the process.”
Would my ancestors really require such a sacrifice? “I don’t understand.”
“Yes, you do. Search your heart. You know I’m right.”
Closing my eyes, I felt the push of my ancestors to believe his words and trust his explanations. Their energy flowed within me as I gasped with their revelation. Every word he spoke was true.
“Oh, Kayde,” I gushed, throwing my arms around his neck. “You didn’t leave me.”
“No, my sweet, I never have, and I never will.”
“But you nearly did,” I countered. “Don’t make me go through that again.”
“Forgive me, Cassie,” he pleaded, lowering his head. “I need you as much as you need me.”
His lips closed the distance to mine as they met in a passionate kiss and I melted just a little, knowing he risked everything to help save me, his place in my Cosan secure forever.
Chapter 12
Around seven p.m. –
“Hey babe,” Gypsy greeted as I sank onto a chair in the kitchen, slumping over the island in the middle of the room as I watched her munching on a Soul Cake. They smelled delicious but I didn’t have the appetite. The whole house oozed cinnamon, allspice, orange, apple, and pumpkin scents and I inhaled, loving the familiarity of home and the Samhain traditions.
“Hi.”
She detected the fatigue and worry in my tone but wisely didn’t engage. Patting my shoulder, Gyps leaned down and placed a kiss on my cheek. “Love ya, babe.”
“Right back at ya.”
I arrived home with Gabriel, Ryder, Kayde, and Damian along with Vincent only a couple of hours ago. Gabe and Ryder had been knocked unconscious by the toxin Vega had released into the air. They’d been unaware of the entire battle until we left the underground tunnels of Romania. Damian and I filled in the others before we traveled home. Vincent had been locked in a cell and was more than grateful for the release, promising his allegiance to our Cosan whenever he was needed. I never knew what happened with Dmitri. Damian didn’t say a word and still wasn’t mentioning his brother’s name.
Gypsy pushed a cup of hot tea in my direction. I watched the steamy liquid as it swirled and processed the last twenty-four hours. Part of me was numb, but I was slowly beginning to piece it all together now that my soul was restored and Roman was no longer a threat. Looking up, I noticed the necromancer leaning against the doorjamb.
Vincent walked into the room with his signature swagger, but I swear I saw the man stumble as Gypsy turned around and he noticed her for the first time. Vincent was instantly attracted. It was obvious from the way his jaw dropped slightly before he quickly recovered.
Deciding to introduce them, I placed my mug back on the table and watched with interest. “Vincent, this is my cousin, Gypsy. Gyps, this is the necromancer we met in the Rockcastle dungeons, Vincent Von Rügen.” With all of the chaos of my return home, they didn’t have a chance to meet before now.
The usual charismatic arrogance left Vincent’s tall frame as he came face to face with my cousin’s bright aqua colored eyes, closing the distance with the skill of a man who knew exactly what he wanted. “Hello, Gypsy.”
She smiled, completely clueless to the way his eyes devoured her, roaming over her curvy frame greedily as if he couldn’t get enough. “Hi, Vincent. A necromancer, huh?”
He arched a sardonic brow, a devilish grin slowly widening bigger as he took a few steps more in her direction. “Dark magic, forgotten souls – they're my specialty.”
“Fascinating. I’d love to see what you could do some time.”
The innocent remark had the opposite effect she intended. Vincent stalked her slowly as Gypsy’s back met the kitchen wall. “You’d enjoy yourself immensely. I’m quite a talented man.”
Blushing, she lowered her lashes, but I caught the little spark of fire in her eyes with his response. Apparently, so did Vincent.
“How old are you, sweet one?”
Lifting her gaze to meet his, she frowned. “Does this tactic normally work for you?”
Laughing lightly, his hands rested on either side of her blonde head as he leaned in close. “From this moment on, no other woman matters.”
She smirked, tilting her head to the side. “I’m afraid you’re wasting your time.”
Vincent shook his head, lifting one finger as it brushed along her cheek. “You’re wrong, my sweet, and I’ll prove it.”
“I’m not eighteen for another couple of months. You’re far too old for me.”
“I wonder if my kiss would make you think twice about that, little dove.”
She gasped, shoving at his chest as Vincent’s lips met hers briefly. Gypsy struggled for a moment before her hands relaxed. Vincent deepened the kiss, tightening his hold briefly before he backed away. A confident smile graced his lips as he picked up her hand, placing it on his chest over his heart.
“Better watch out, sweet Gypsy.”
Irritated, she rose to the bait. “Why?”
“Because the day you turn eighteen, you’re mine.”
Sputtering, she gaped in shock as Vincent dropped her hand and spun. He winked as he slipped out the back door of Howe Manor and into the brightly colored leaves of fall. The amber, red, green, and gold colors swirled around him as if by
magic. I caught the flick of his fingers and watched as a few blew in the open window and landed at my cousin’s feet.
Gypsy planted her hands on her hips, glaring at his retreating back.
Somewhat humored by the exchange, I didn’t stick around but headed upstairs with the intention of a nap. Every part of my body ached. I’d been beat up more in the last few days than I cared to contemplate, even if you added up every instance of my life before this October first and combined them all together.
All four of my Cosan awaited my arrival as I walked into my room. Moving forward as one, they tugged me over to the bed and pushed my body gently against the soft mattress where I landed on my back, stripping my clothing down to a bra and panties as candles and incense were lit. The room filled with the aroma of eucalyptus, mint, and male pheromones. The hungry gazes of each of my Cosan proved this bond would deepen further before I managed to sleep tonight.
Oils were rubbed into my body as my aching muscles were soothed by all of the recent trauma. Gabe massaged my calves, ankles, and feet while Ryder remained close to my head. His nimble fingers moved in slow circles around my face and temples, easing the tension headache that had briefly started. Damian brushed his hands across the skin of my stomach and upward over my breasts and shoulders. He was the boldest of the three, but our intimacy had opened the door to more risky play. Kayde stood at the end of the bed, unmoving as his gaze swept over the other men and each inch of my skin that they covered with an unhurried but lustful perusal.
“This is heaven,” I whispered, enjoying the multiple hands that touched and swept across my skin.
“Better get used to this attention, angel.”
“Oh?” I laughed lightly, casting a brief glance at Ryder. “I think that would be easy.”
“He wasn’t only speaking about this kind of attention,” Gabriel added as his lips pressed against my inner thigh.
“All forms of attention – including the intimate kind,” Ryder explained further, in case I wasn’t following their deliberate clues. “I don’t care how we mix it up.”
