Sacrifice (Scarlet Dawson Book 2)

by Nicola Chadwick

  He narrows his eyes then releases him. He jumps off the bed and stalks to the door.

  “Shower, get dressed then you can explain to me why I didn’t kill that bastard.” He moves out the door then slams it behind him.

  Rozen sits on the bed, smirking.

  “I suggest you don’t aggravate anyone if you want to live,” I say to him, wiping the smile off his face.

  Turning to Aylesbury, I ask, “Will you please explain to me what happened? I also need some clothes and directions to the bathroom.”

  “No directions needed, Red, you’re back home. We’re in The Manor, Bastian had some of your clothes moved into your old room.”

  He helps me get up from the bed and places a robe around me.

  “Just how long was I out?” I ask, moving over to the door.

  “You said goodbye to us at The Black Hall two weeks ago.”

  “Seriously! What the hell!” I reply, moving into the hall and leaving Rozen with the two strangers. Now I know he’s in The Manor I know he’s going nowhere.

  “Yeah, we have a lot of catching up to do,” Aylesbury replies, and moves towards the stairs that lead to the lounge. “I’ll be upstairs when you’re done.”

  He disappears up the stairs at a jog, so I move towards the door to my old room, a sense of déjà vu washing over me. I walk through the door and smile as I find Jinx asleep on a pile of my clothes. She opens an eye then, when she sees its me, lazily stretches and saunters towards the end of the bed. I fuss her and play with her for a few minutes, happy she’s back here safe.

  Once she decides it’s time to go back to sleep, I move into the bathroom, to the luxury of the shower. I strip off the two-week-old underwear and look in the mirror at the now scabbed over slashes covering my whole body. That bastard had done a number on me with that length of wood. I am surprised he was right and I hadn’t healed, I’m not even healing at the same rate I had been my whole life. In two weeks, these gashes would have barely been faint scars.

  I shower and let the sting of the soap and water soothe my skin. Everything’s so much better when you’re clean. I quickly dry and throw on the clean underwear and clothes I brought into the bathroom with me. I opted for a loose black skirt and long-sleeved red top. Once dressed, I shift into my Human form, I would be happy not to have to wear my Fae form for a while.

  I am so pleased to be back home, even if I’m not quite at home yet. Although the Manor is quickly becoming home too.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  When I reach the lounge, I see Bastian in the kitchen cooking. The sight is a little weird, he’s gigantic and the Alpha, it just makes no sense. I hadn’t even realized exactly how domestic he is until he’d cooked breakfast, what I thought of as, yesterday.

  Aylesbury looks like he’s asleep on one of the sofas, so I move into the kitchen area and lean against the counter.

  “I didn’t know you are a housewife?” I say to Bastian, even though I really am impressed.

  He moves away from the counter and passes me a slice of pizza. I grasp the cheesy hot goodness and realize how much my stomach’s been hurting. I’m actually amazed I’m even standing at this point, as I quite clearly hadn’t eaten since breakfast at Lykos’s house.

  “I think I love you,” I say out loud.

  Bastian swings around so quickly to face me, he looks like he’s going to fall over.

  “What?” he says. Then I realize what I had just said.

  “Oh, not you, I meant the pizza,” I say, really flippantly, grinning around a mouth full of the amazing dough.

  I ignore his narrowed eyes and reach around him for another slice before moving over to the table.

  “So, you want to tell me what I’ve missed?” I ask Bastian.

  He brings over his own pile of pizza and sits opposite me.

  “We followed you back from The Black Hall and waited outside for an opportunity to take the Demon. For hours, we saw neither you or him. At some point during the night, lights flashed on inside, Aylesbury checked, and it was him. With no sign of you, we crept into the house and took him to The Black Hall. We didn’t kill him straight away because he said he had hidden you. I tore that house to pieces looking for you, the basement door had been concealed behind some kind of spell, it drove me mad. I could hear you shouting for that prick, but I couldn’t get to you.

  “It took me three days to get you out of there, and I only managed it with help from that Fae friend of yours, Adam—”

  “Wait, what did he ask for in return?” I ask. Knowing Adam, he wouldn’t have done it for free, he will always use any situation to his advantage.

  “I owe him a favor of his choosing at any time he wishes. I would have given him anything he wanted to get you out of there. You were dying.”

  He looks furious again, so I motion for him to carry on.

  “When we got to you, you kept saying Rozen, over and over. We didn’t give you to him at first, but the closer you got to him, the less tense you felt. The plan was to kill him once we had you, but Adam told us if we did, you’d die. I have literally had to watch that Demon hold you for over a week—”

  He breaks off and says no more, his hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white. His eyes no longer looking at me, but seeing through me, they are completely black too. He jumps up to his feet, knocking the chair over. Aylesbury grunts from the sofa but doesn’t wake. He starts to move towards the stairs. I move to block him.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” I ask, a hand braced on his chest stopping him.

  “To kill the bastard,” he says, like it is obvious.

  “If you kill him now, you kill my only chance at answers.”

  “What answers could you possibly need him alive for?” he asks, half snapping out of the rage he is in.

  “There’s more to this than his plan for revenge. Both Bryn and Rozen mentioned someone else. If I ever want to be free of this, I need to know more?”

  He throws his hands up and narrows his eyes at me.

  “Are you sure that’s why, because this is looking like a serious case of Stockholm Syndrome. Are you protecting him?” He looks at me completely disgusted.

  “Why would you say that? I want him dead, just like you.” I can’t believe that we are really back to fighting again already. Why wouldn’t I want to kill the asshole, he has tortured me not once, but twice, used me like a puppet in his nefarious plans, and made me give up everything. All so he could get his revenge.

  “I had to watch you only find comfort in his arms, if we took you away from him you screamed. You were only happy when you were practically writhing in bed at the side of him semi-naked—”

  “You were jealous!” I say and laugh, it all makes sense now. He thinks I like Rozen. He knows I wouldn’t have survived without Rozen, it’s not like it’s my fault I broke the oath.

  I reach up and pat him on the cheek while he watches me, fury blazing in his eyes. “It’s not a competition. I’ve already told you, I’m yours. You seem to be the only one that doesn’t believe me.”

  “It would be easier to believe if you would just mate with me,” he says, grabbing my waist.

  I pull away from him. “I am not even doing this with you right now,” I say, moving away from him, going back to the table to finish my pizza.

  Bastian also moves back to the table and, without looking at me, starts finishing his food. Aylesbury yawns loudly and pops up from one of the sofas, he stands and comes over to join us.

  “Don’t you have a room?” I ask.

  “I’ve been sleeping in yours. But when that evil kitty’s in there I’ve avoided the hell out of the place,” he says, rubbing his eyes and moving over to sit with us.

  Aylesbury drapes an arm across the back of my seat, and when Bastian notices the action he begins to growl.

  “Seriously, dude, she’s my sister! S-I-S-T-E-R!” He spells it out, clearly exasperated.

  Bastian growls more, then turns to me. “How are you planning on gett
ing these answers you want?”

  I sit back and smile.

  “Red, I don’t like the look of that smile,” Aylesbury warns.

  Gerry chooses that moment to walk in.

  “Scarlet, glad to see you’re awake. How do you feel?” he asks me, moving over to hold my head and do that doctor thing where they look intently into your eyes.

  “Sore, but okay. Why aren’t I healing normally?” I ask him.

  “We’re not sure, but it could be something to do with the unfinished mating. I’ve never come across a partial mating, so I have no means for comparison,” he answers, moving over to the kitchen to grab some leftovers.

  I risk a glance at Bastian, and he’s glaring at me again. I stare back, hoping he’ll take the hint that if he brings the mating up again I’ll connect my fist to his face. Repeatedly.

  “Don’t worry too much over it, Scarlet. You are healing well, just at the same speed as a Human. We’ll run some tests if it eases your mind. I’ll also contact Miranda, see if she can offer me some advice, so I can give you a better medical opinion,” Gerry tells me, then moves back through the doors that lead to the hospital wing.

  I get up from the table and move over to the stairs, when Bastian asks, “Where are you going?”

  “To make Rozen answer my questions,” I say over my shoulder as I move down the stairs.

  I look in a few of the empty rooms, not remembering which one I came out of, and find him in the second room from the end of the corridor. I’m in there only a few seconds before Bastian and Aylesbury follow me in and shut the door.

  “You didn’t really think we would ever leave you alone in the same room as him again did you, Red?” Aylesbury says, moving to stand at the side of the door with his arms folded over his chest.

  I roll my eyes at him as Bastian asks the two guards to wait outside. Once they’ve walked out, Bastian stands between Rozen and the window, and Aylesbury leans casually against the door.

  I look at Rozen, he’s now sat on top of the bed covers, dressed only in worn leather trousers. His wrists are manacled and chained still, but he sits there with a superior expression on his face like he thinks he’s getting out of this.

  “Rozen,” I say in greeting, keeping this polite for now.

  “Scarlet,” he replies, with an incline of his head.

  I study him some more; his demeanor doesn’t change. He’s amused by this change of events. I eye the chalky liquid and dagger on the windowsill and an idea starts to form. I smile at him.

  “You know, Red, when you smile like that you really creep me out,” Aylesbury mutters.

  I move to sit on the bed in front of Rozen. This makes Rozen smile and Bastian growl.

  “Both yourself and Bryn have hinted at another person being interested in me. I want to know everything you know about them.” I shuffle closer to him then say, “Neria.”

  An instant later my lovely sword is pointed at his throat. He laughs at me. The psychotic sound sends a shiver down my spine.

  “Just how are you going to get me to talk? With your pathetic little dagger?” he mocks.

  “Not at all, Rozen, the sword’s purely here to kill you if you refuse to blood oath with me,” I say as the reality of what I want to do dawns on him.

  “Don’t look so shocked, Rozen. If you’d have been half the Demon I gave you credit for over the last few months, then you would have seen this coming. As I see it, you only have two choices, either you die, or you do as you’re told.”

  “What makes you think I won’t get out of this situation?” he counters.

  “For a start, you don’t have your precious Bryn to help you, and there is absolutely no way you will be left alone to try anything. Bastian wants you dead, so do you really think you are going to be able to escape. He already proved just how weak you are by taking you out in the first place.”

  He sighs and leans back against the headboard. I pass my sword off to Bastian then move over to the window to dip the dagger in the chalky liquid. It wasn’t like I needed it this time but Rozen would still heal too quickly.

  Bastian moves closer to the bed, the sword raised, ready to strike instantly if Rozen tries anything. Aylesbury remains at the door oozing relaxed vibes.

  I take a hold of Rozen’s wrist and pull him closer. I slice into his palm a little deeper than was probably necessary as the blood flows a lot quicker than the trickle he drew out of me. I quickly slice mine then clasp our hands together.

  “You know the drill, Rozen. Repeat after me. Scarlet is my master.” I watch as he cringes, his words clearly coming back to haunt him. “You will obey everything I say without question. You will answer every question I ask whether you want to or not. If you are aware that any of my questions are blocked by previous oaths and or spells you will indicate this to me. While you are under oath you will not attempt to escape or even think about escaping. You will remain happily in your cell without trouble. If anyone attempts to help you in anyway while you are here, you will stop them and report them straight to me.”

  I hope I’ve covered all the bases. As far as I can tell I’ve made it impossible for him to escape, and if he can’t answer any of my questions, at least I’ll know why. I look over to Bastian and he nods his head in agreement. I immediately let go of Rozen’s hand and back away. I’d rather not be near him after the things he’s done to me, but he is a necessary evil at this point in time.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  We decide to move Rozen down to the cells underneath the Manor. I’m pleased Rozen comes along without argument or trying to escape, it means he is as oath bound as I had been. I follow the two new Lycans while Bastian and Aylesbury flank Rozen as they walk down the stairs to the cells.

  Since Bryn and Bronwyn’s escape, aided by Roan, Bastian has stepped up security by adding an outer perimeter that only he and two others can access. The door that usually accesses the basement cells is now surrounded by an enclosed iron cage. Once past that, there are still the usual sensor pads that lock the impenetrable doors.

  We walk through three doors before arriving at the cells. I am happy to see Cain lingering in the corridor. It is nice for things to almost be returning to normal. Well, as normal as they can be since I’ve met the Lycans.

  Cain unlocks the door at the end of the hall, then I hear him unlock the cage within the cell. Once he steps out, Bastian escorts Rozen inside. I smile at Cain before moving into the outer area of the cell to watch Bastian chain Rozen’s manacled wrists to the wall.

  Once he is secured, Bastian motions for me to enter the cell. Aylesbury remains in the outer cell near the door, and the two others have been stationed outside along the corridor.

  “Who is the mysterious person you mentioned before?” I ask Rozen, there is no need to draw out the questioning. Although I’d really like him to start feeling some of what he’s put me through.

  “I’m not quite sure as to whom you are referring, Scarlet,” he replies, almost sarcastically.

  I watch as the slight grin on his face changes, crumples, then he attempts to grab his head, the chains stopping him.

  “Not very pleasant, is it. Now, answer the question, Rozen, before it gets any worse.”

  “His name is Derren,” he answers.

  I can see the moment the pain starts to clear.

  “That’s a start. Now, tell me who he is. This time, I want details, not just his name.”

  He doesn’t even hesitate this time. “He poses as the Fae representative on The Guild Council. He is the one that has kept an eye on you since he became aware of your unique heritage. He is your mother’s killer, and with our help, he tried to take you from her. He wanted your unique blood, he wanted what he hoped you’d become. Is that what you want to hear? I’m sure you’ve already figured out its all linked. You’re the linchpin.” He tries his hardest to sound menacing, but you can tell his evil spark isn’t there at the moment. I won’t get cocky that we’ve actually defeated him yet, though. Not until he is dead
.

  I spin around and turn to Bastian. “Who’s the Lycan representative on the council?”

  “I hold the seat, but I usually delegate the job to one of the Pack lawyers. I usually only get involved if something big is happening that actually impacts Lycan society. I’ve met the Fae though; her name is Summer.”

  I narrow my eyes at Rozen, he smiles lazily at me, then says, “Derren is able to change forms, much like you, Scarlet, except he can pretty much change into whoever he wants. Which means no matter how much information you get out of me, you won’t find him.”

  “Why is he interested in me?” I ask.

  “As far as I know, he’s always known about you. He’s protected you in some ways, without him, you’d have been dead once we discovered you were at the orphanage. But he wanted, and hoped, he could use you in the future. For what, I don’t know, but it meant keeping you alive and mostly healthy. You should thank him when he finds you. I can guarantee he will find you once he realizes both Bryn and I have been removed from his plans.”

  I frown at him a moment while I puzzle over what he has just said.

  “Is there anything else you can tell me that will explain why this Derren is after me and has been my whole life?” I ask him, moving closer so I can study his reaction.

  “He’s after you because of your heritage, I always assumed it was the same reason we wanted you. For your unique blood. There have never been any children born to a Fae turned Vampyre before.”

  “Is that all the information you can give me?”

  “Yes.”

  I look at Bastian and Aylesbury. “Can you think of anything else at the moment?”

  They both shake their heads. As I move past Bastian to the door, Rozen whispers. “Silence is the key.”

  I swing back around just in time to see Bastian grab Rozen by the throat. His legs dangle inches from the ground.

  “What do you mean by that?” Bastian asks, his voice a whispered growl.

  Rozen tries to reply but the answer comes out all garbled.

  “Drop him, Bastian,” I say, narrowing my eyes in his direction.