Taken by Moonlight

by Violette Dubrinsky

  ***

  Conall managed to persuade Vivienne it would be best for her to remain at Cedar Creek while he paid a well-deserved visit to Maximilian Cronin. His fight with Rafael had been postponed in the face of more important matters, and he left Sloan behind to ensure Rafael kept his distance from his mate. He’d even given Sloan permission to kill him came too close, which seemed to genuinely please his beta.

  As Maximilian Cronin’s covenant sat in the middle of a particularly quiet neighborhood a mere thirty minutes from the city, they would have to be careful on how they infiltrated the community. There was no doubt in Conall’s mind the neighborhood was littered with security cameras, that the few humans who lived there thought them government-issued to ensure their safety, when in actuality they were for the protection of a covenant. He’d already called Santiago, Dominic, and Drako, and the wolves were gathering their packs and meeting him at Fangs. Conall had hand-chosen his team for tonight, twenty of the fiercest wolves in his pack. He’d left enough to protect his base as well.

  Stepping around his desk to the hidden panel in the wall, he waited for his weapons rack to reveal itself. Conall quickly armed himself with a few handguns before closing the panel. Against witches, especially with the curse of mortality upon them, guns were very useful.

  He was leaving his study when the phone rang. He paused and glanced at the clock. It was after nine. “Yes?”

  “Conall Athelwulf. Are you already preparing your wolves for an attack?”

  It was Cronin. How he’d gotten his number, Conall didn’t know. Nor did he care. “Where are they?” It didn’t need to be said who “they” were. Both knew.

  “Do you really believe I’m going to tell you that?”

  “Then we have nothing to discuss.”

  “Wait!” The phone was already away from his ear and halfway down by the time he heard the shout. He lifted the receiver once more.

  “What?”

  “I want to speak to Vivienne.”

  Eyes narrowing, Conall snarled, “You’ll say whatever you have to say to me.”

  “Suit yourself. If you attack my covenant, I will kill Evelyn. I’ve been anticipating doing it for a while now. If by some chance, you make it inside, I will promptly kill Cassandre. And then I will search for Vivienne—”

  “Did you think threats would keep you safe?” Conall made his voice deceptively soft as he felt his fangs sharpen.

  “They aren’t threats, Conall, but guarantees.”

  “I have a guarantee for you. I’m going to kill you before the night is out, Cronin, but before I do, I’m going to make you suffer.”

  He hung up and stepped from the study to find Sloan. After advising his beta to screen all calls for Cronin, he headed to the row of black SUVs parked in front of his house. Maximilian’s threats were baseless. He wouldn’t kill Evelyn, because she was his only leverage over Cassandre, and he obviously wouldn’t kill Cassandre because without her, he couldn’t resurrect the druids, and regain his immortality. No doubt Maximilian intended to somehow coerce his mate into meeting him somewhere, possibly under the guise of helping her family. With Sloan keeping an eye on her, and the rest of his pack doing high-risk patrols, there was no way Vivienne was leaving Cedar Creek.

  ***

  Drew grimaced as the pale man laid her against a wonderfully soft object, a bed or a plush sofa. Her lids were half-lowered, and she could barely make out his features, just that he was pale, with dark hair.

  The pain had faded, and in its place was blessed numbness. She was dying, and she knew it.

  A cool hand brushed against her neck and she managed to whisper Max’s name. Where was he? When she’d opened her eyes that last time it was to find she was being washed by the pale man whose features she could not see. She was too weak to fight him, and his ministrations were gentle. Except for the sting as the water touched her cuts, it felt good. But where was Max?

  She moaned low in her throat.

  “Shh,” the man above her whispered. “All will be well, Drew. Just relax, and listen to my voice.” The hand at her neck gently caressed her. “Close your eyes.”

  She shook her head. No. She was terrified of this darkness. It was threatening to close in on her, and she was afraid. Afraid to die alone. Where was Max?

  A hand cupped her cheek gently, and the man leaned close. His features were still blurred, and she blinked as she tried to focus.

  “Just close your eyes, little one,” he repeated slowly, and the hand at her cheek moved until it was over her eyes. “Trust me. I promise not harm you.”

  Her lids became heavy, and Drew did as commanded. He continued speaking, low words of trust and promises she didn’t understand. She thought back to Max. He was alive. Had he left her with this man so he could warn Vivienne and Cassie?

  She tried to swallow, and coughed weakly. The man’s voice invaded her mind once more. Feeling a pressure come down on her, Drew opened her eyes slightly. The man’s face was inches away, but he was still whispering to her, reassuring words. Her lids lowered again.

  His face lowered to hers, and she felt the brush of his cool cheek against her own, and tensed. What was he doing? Where was Max? Oh God, the darkness was engulfing her. She could feel it becoming permanent. She would never open her eyes again, never see her friends again….

  The voice came again, calming her.

  “Drusilla,” he murmured, and Drew tried to shake her head. That wasn’t her name. Drew. She was just Drew. Where was Max?

  A hand slid under her body, holding her firm, and his breath caressed her neck.

  She’d barely recognized that before a searing burn ripped through her, so painful only a small cry erupted from her lips before her entire body went into shock. Her throat worked but no sound escaped. She might have cried, but she could no longer feel the tears running down her face.

  Her body grew weaker and she fought to pry her eyes open. She was in a candlelit room with a stranger who was biting her, draining her, killing her. She frantically searched the room, ignoring the blurring of her vision, as she hoped to catch sight of Max.

  Please, stop. Please. She whispered, but no sound emerged.

  With her body growing cold and the darkness coming fast, blurring out the faint light, Drew put up a futile struggle against his hold. It only tightened.

  “Max.” That was the last sound that slipped from her lips before the darkness became stifling, and Drew, unable to fight it anymore, succumbed to its unwavering grasp.

  ***

  Vivienne felt helpless. She understood Conall’s reasoning as to why it would be better for him to go alone to retrieve her mother and sister, but it didn’t make her feel any better.

  She’d taken a shower in hopes of calming her nerves. Maximilian wouldn’t kill her mother and sister because he needed them. But what was to prevent him for hurting them? What if he was torturing her family? The shower had done the exact opposite, giving her mind enough free time to conjure up all kinds of horrific scenes in her head.

  It was for that reason she was now on the bed, curled under the duvet, the television on as she attempted to pay attention. She’d switched to SoapNet, believing that if anything could distract her, a five-hour marathon of General Hospital would do the trick. She could barely pay any attention to Sonny Corinthos or Jason Morgan. After half an hour passed, she turned the television off and stared up at the ceiling.

  Had Conall reached Cronin’s covenant? Had he retrieved her family? And Max? Had he found Max as well?

  Closing her eyes, she cleared her mind. She thought of white light, just plain white light. Vivienne didn’t know how long she remained like that, envisioning calm and peaceful white light, but when next she opened her eyes, she was no longer in Conall’s bedroom.

  She could see a dark cell, a cot, gold shackles attached to the stone wall. Shivering from the cold, Vivienne tried to concentrate.

  It was happening again. She was seeing through someone’s eyes.

&nbs
p; Cassie?

  Vivienne wasn’t sure if there would be a mental connection similar to the one she shared with Conall, but it was worth trying. The person suddenly looked up, and then around, giving Vivienne an even more extensive view of the cell. It was obviously meant to be a prison. There were no windows, and from what she’d made out, no door.

  “Vivienne?” Cassie asked aloud, and Vivienne was thrilled to hear it. She could communicate with her sister!

  Cassie, where are you? Tell me quickly. I don’t know how long this connection will last.

  I don’t know. I’m in a cell somewhere. Viv, you have to stay away. Do you understand? I think he wants you for something else. Just stay away.

  Conall’s coming for you. I would have come too but—

  Viv, don’t come here! Please. I already got Mom into this.

  What do you mean?

  It’s my fault. I trusted him—Alexander—and he led them straight to us. You said that Conall’s coming?

  To Cronin’s covenant.

  Cassie nodded, and Vivienne felt it.

  I don’t know if we’re there, but I hope—

  Cassie broke off, and Vivienne saw why. The wall of the cell slid back, and an elderly man she assumed to be Maximilian Cronin walked in. He looked like an older, more sophisticated version of Max, with his white hair and shiny walking stick, and there was something about him that screamed of power and unlimited greed.

  “Are you speaking to your sister?” he asked immediately, and when Cassie shook her head, he grinned.

  “I’d forgotten that twins share a mental link until you reminded me.” He lifted his head to indicate a small camera to the side, and Vivienne went cold. He’d heard Cassie whisper her sister’s name.

  Cassie suddenly screamed and began to choke. Vivienne struggled herself, feeling the tight clasp of fingers around her neck.

  “If you can hear me, Vivienne, you’ll meet me at the LaGuardia Airport in two hours. Come alone.”

  The fingers eased from Cassie’s neck and her sister hauled in air.

  “I’m aware that getting out of Cedar Creek will prove difficult as that animal has you under watch, but you’re a smart girl. I believe you can be resourceful.”

  His fingers gripped Cassie’s chin, and through their connection, Vivienne looked directly into his hazel eyes.

  “If you don’t show, I will kill your family. Your mother is of no use to me. She will die first.” He paused and Vivienne felt the repulsive tread of a finger down her neck, and across her collarbone. “I don’t believe I will kill your sister, as I am sure I can find other uses for her.”

  Cassie began to struggle, and Vivienne felt a burning at her wrists and ankles, where the shackles held Cassie.

  Don’t listen to him, Vivienne. It’s a trap.

  “The choice is yours, Vivienne.” His voice lowered. “If you love your family, you’ll do the right thing.”

  Vivienne, pull away from me, now. He’s lying. Please, Vivienne, don’t—

  A shattering pain erupted in her ear, and Vivienne jumped up and found herself back in Conall’s bedroom. He’d hit her sister. Maximilian Cronin had hit her sister hard enough for Cassie to lose consciousness.

  There was a knock on the door. Breathing harshly, Vivienne called out, “Yes?”

  “Are you okay, Vivienne?” It was Sloan.

  She nodded and then remembered he couldn’t see her. “Yes, I’m fine.” Guessing she must have screamed or yelled, she rushed to add, “I was having a bad dream.”

  The beta said nothing for long moments, and Vivienne wondered if he was contemplating entering the room. She held her breath, until finally, she heard his footsteps moving away.

  Vivienne was up in an instant, pulling off Conall’s large T-shirt, and dressing to go into the cold night. She threw on a dark sweater with a hood, so she could cover her head if need be. Turning off the bedroom light, she inched her way to the windows and peered outside. Conall had left instructions for an hourly patrol, so most of the pack was awake.

  Closing her eyes, Vivienne projected herself behind the house. She looked around quickly. Her ears picked up the sound of someone approaching, and she recited a spell that would render her invisible to an untrained eye, before flashing herself to the middle of the makeshift forest. She continued until she was at the end, and then easily scaled the fence there, and launched herself into the woods. She didn’t know how long she ran, but she ran, applying bursts of speed where necessary, and stopping only briefly to catch large gulps of air.

  Making it to the highway, she stood close to the road, and waited. She couldn’t believe she was hitchhiking, but then again, she couldn’t believe a lot of things. Like the fact she was sneaking out of Cedar Creek, away from Conall, to meet Cronin. It was not the best idea but it was the only one she currently had. Conall would have to understand. She had to do whatever it took to save her mother and sister.

  Numerous cars drove by without acknowledging her, and Vivienne began to second-guess the whole hitchhiking thing. Maybe she should have just taken Conall’s car, but how would she have explained that to Sloan? The beta might be quiet, but he wasn’t stupid.

  She’d been standing at the side of the road for almost twenty minutes when a bright yellow light briefly blinded her, and a Harley-Davidson slowed and pulled up beside her.

  Vivienne tensed immediately as she picked up his scent. He was a were, and probably of Conall’s pack. Had they sent out search teams for her?

  Removing his helmet, Rafael passed her an easy grin. “Haven’t you had enough excitement for the day?”

  She didn’t answer him. Just remained deathly still, watching, waiting. How had he known where she was? And would he try to take her back?

  “So, you’re finally running away from the leader of the pack? Can’t blame you for coming to your senses.” His grin grew larger, and she saw his eyes run down her body before lifting once more to her face. “Where you headin’?”

  Now Vivienne had a dilemma. She was being offered a ride to her destination, but the person offering it was Rafael, a probable murderer and Conall’s arch-nemesis.

  “I don’t bite, Vivienne. Not unless you want me to.” After letting that sink in, he continued, “And from that show you put on today, I should be the one afraid of you, not the other way around.” Rafael paused and glanced down at the watch on his wrist. Vivienne didn’t have to look to know that it was leather. Lots of leather. The were seemed to be particular about it. He was an anti-ad for PETA if she ever had seen one. “I’m also runnin’ late, so you’re gonna have to make up your mind quick. Where’re you going?” He reached behind him and grabbed a spare helmet, presenting it to her.

  As soon as her fingers closed around the smooth, round outer surface, Vivienne knew she’d made a decision. Once she got there, she wouldn’t care who’d taken her to that airport.

  “LaGuardia,” she told him as she quickly placed the helmet atop her head, and slid onto the bike behind him.

  “Wrap your arms around me, darlin’,” he said over his shoulder as he re-seated his helmet and revved the engine on the Harley.

  Vivienne did as she was told, holding tight as Rafael eased his way back onto the highway, and sped down the lane.

  ***

  Maximilian Cronin’s covenant was made up of a series of houses that sat next to each other, much like Conall’s Cedar Creek Estates, but in a way that allowed for more contact with humans. It was a common thing done by immortals in this century, to hide out in the open.

  “Which one is his?” Conall asked quietly of Santiago, who stood next to him. Dominic and Drako were beside them as well. The pack alphas were hundreds of yards behind the covenant but their animal senses enabled them to survey the estates as if they were standing closer. The high and lush trees around them provided a sort of protection from prying eyes.

  “The biggest one. In the middle, with the tall, black gates. The covenant starts with the peach-colored house, and ends at the gray st
one house. That’s what I suspect. I haven’t scented any witches in the other houses. Just humans.”

  Conall nodded.

  “We should split up,” Drako chimed in, and the three weres turned to look at him. “I’ll take my pack in from the right. Dominic, you take the left. Conall and Santiago infiltrate the middle. That way they have no escape.”

  Santiago nodded. “No escape. I like the sound of that.” The alpha was moving off to address his pack when Conall’s hand landed on his shoulder. Santiago lifted a brow.

  “Cronin is my kill.” Conall glared at Santiago, expecting the other were to challenge him for it.

  But the werewolf simply scowled and nodded. “Make sure you rip that fucker’s throat out. Let him bleed to death.”

  Releasing him, Conall nodded. While Santiago wanted to kill him for being an all-around pain-in-the-ass, Conall wanted his blood for more personal reasons. He’d attempted to take his mate, kidnapped Vivienne’s family….

  Turning around, Conall addressed his pack, relating the information on how they were to enter Cronin’s covenant. He briefly shielded his eyes at the appearance of rapid-fire explosions of light, and then Dominic and Drako, a fully gray wolf and a silver-and-gray mix, emerged at the heads of their packs, and began running in opposite directions.

  ***

  The first thing Conall noticed, once they were inside the covenant, was the silence. He paused to listen, and could only hear the harsh breathing of the wolves as they scanned the houses nearby, the footsteps of pack members as they searched for trackers. Even the civilians were gone, which was strange. Furniture and clothing were still there, but everybody had vanished.

  He took the steps two at time, following the faint but lingering scent of Maximilian Cronin, until he found a large office room. Santiago entered behind him.

  “That son-of-a-bitch must have fled today because he was here last night. My pack was tailing him, and he was here. They were all here.”