by Raven Steele
A Vampire's Fury
A Rouen Urban Fantasy 8
Raven Steele
Ava Mason
A Vampire’s Fury
Rouen Chronicles Book 8
* * *
A novel by
Raven Steele
&
Ava Mason
www.RavenSteele.net
* * *
This is a work of fiction. Names characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
* * *
This book may not be reproduced in whole or part, by mimeograph or any other means, without the permission of the Publisher. Making or distributing electronic copies of this book constitutes copyright infringement and could subject the infringer to criminal and civil liability.
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Cover design by Covers by Juan
Printed in the United States of America
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Copyright © 2019 by Raven Steele and Ava Mason
All rights reserved
Created with Vellum
“The world of superheroes is black and white; the world of monsters is not. Sometimes you need evil to fight evil.”
~ Donna Langley
Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
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Chapter 1
The tips of my toes balanced precariously over the ledge of the three-hundred foot sky rise. Falling from this height would shatter my bones and leave my body a bloody mess, but I would survive. The pain would be horrific. I leaned forward a little more, my balance obeying the laws of gravity.
I glanced down at the busy Rouen streets far below me. Lights from the dozens of speeding vehicles reflected off black pavement. There was no light were I stood, this high up wrapped in night’s embrace.
I’d been here since the sunset, fighting off hunger pains. Even from this height, I could smell the blood of humans below. Its sweet aroma rose to the sky like smoke wafting off a roasting pig above hot coals.
The way my stomach knotted itself at the constant scent made my bones ache and my blood burn. I’d rather experience the pain of my bones shattering into a thousand pieces than feel this torture. It would be nothing compared to what Faithe had endured by Korin’s hand.
I leaned over further, losing my battle against gravity. The sudden rush of cool air at my face as I plummeted had me sucking in a quick breath. I rotated quickly and managed to catch the lip of my personal balcony twenty feet below. My heart slammed against my chest, and sweat broke on my brow as my legs dangled high in the air.
I smiled. For just a moment, I’d forgotten about my child’s death and my insatiable hunger.
Swinging my legs up, I flipped up onto the balcony, gasping for air. It had been two weeks since Faithe died. Two weeks since I’d left Lynx in a coma and killed that human in Hell's Peak. Ever since then, I’d been living in my own personal hell. Regret, anger, fear, and disgust all competing for the same space in my mind and heart.
And the Kiss of Eternal Darkness loved it all.
Its dark presence within me amplified those emotions, which in turn made my bloodlust so much worse. I wasn’t sure how much more I could stand.
A vibrating sound from within my penthouse suite caught my attention. Just past the sliding glass doors, my phone rang against a coffee table in the living room. I cocked my head to the side and rubbed at my shoulder, my eyes closed. It was probably Mateo. He’d been calling me every day since I’d disappeared.
Leaning my forehead against the cool metal railing, I contemplated returning to the roof. It beat lying in my coffin for hours on end. For the first week after Faithe’s death, that’s all I did. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get my body to move. Not even for blood. The shock at all that had happened was too much. I’d failed her, my only daughter.
And my long-time friend, Kristina. I should’ve gotten her out from under Korin’s thumb sooner, but I’d been too focused on his destruction. She’d paid the price just like Faithe had. As for me? I still breathed and lived. I couldn’t escape it.
My limbs heavy, I returned inside, my gaze sweeping over my large and almost empty suite. It was a shell, like me. A lamp in the corner cast soft light into the room. I smashed it, plunging myself into complete darkness. Better.
Before I returned to the roof, I checked the messages on my phone. I had been responding to people just enough to keep them from coming to my place. I didn’t want to face anyone right now. Maybe not for a long time.
Briar had left me a voice message and texted many vulgar messages. She had sensed me pulling away and had tried to bridge the gap, especially with Lynx still being unconscious, but I had deliberately stayed away. She would ask too many questions, and I wasn’t ready to give answers, especially about Faithe.
The thought of my daughter again weakened my legs, and I collapsed to the floor. Faithe was dead. Heart-wrenching sorrow gripped my chest, but the Kiss of Eternal Night, my most loyal companion, swallowed the pain for me and turned it into a hungry rage. I needed warm blood. I did the next best thing.
Dragging myself to my feet, I moved to the kitchen and warmed a blood bag in the microwave. The taste was bitter against my tongue, but I forced it down until I couldn’t anymore. I spit it out, gagging. My phone buzzed again against the kitchen counter. This time it was a message from Mateo.
I need to see you in person. If you don’t come to me, then I’m coming to your place in one hour. I’ll break down the door if I have to. No more avoiding me.
A second later another message appeared.
I’m worried about you.
I sighed. I couldn’t avoid him any longer, but I didn’t want him coming here. One look at my apartment, which I’d wrecked more than once, and he’d know I wasn’t okay. The holes in the walls, the smashed chairs and broken glass everywhere were evidence enough.
I texted back. See you soon.
My bones ached as I showered and dressed. Every movement was a painful reminder that I lived while Faithe rotted, the last of her remains scattered across the concrete floor of a butcher shop. She deserved better.
I nearly didn’t make it out the door. Only the fear of Mateo coming to me kept me moving forward. I walked the streets, one block over to the Balario Hotel, the place where Mateo’s coven stayed, including Angel. When I first moved here, I’d almost purchased their building, but decided not to because of the basement. It wasn’t close enough to the city’s old sewage system, one that was no longer used. My building, however, had been built right next to it, and I’d tunneled through to it to give me an escape route s
hould I ever need it. So far, I hadn’t.
I walked through glass doors into the lobby. Warm light from a massive chandelier above me spread across a polished white floor. Tall, green plants and plush red chairs filled the large space, accented by gray pillars and retro art hanging on the walls. Mateo fit in well here.
A sharp and sudden heat shot through me at the thought of possibly sharing another coffin with him. I shoved the feeling aside and headed upstairs, taking the stairs to burn off the rush of hormones. Screwing Mateo was not a priority.
But it could be a perk, the Kiss whispered in my head.
I stopped near the top floor and turned right toward Mateo’s door. The scent of him filled my nostrils, but there was something more this time: sweet and spicy like dark rum, the kind a pirate would drink. I shivered. He hadn’t smelled like that in a long time, and it brought fond memories to my mind.
I hesitated before his door, my hand raised above the knob, frozen as I struggled to suppress my feelings. Hunger filled my belly. A craving for the sweet taste of his blood, just after making love in the moonlight. The Kiss swelled up inside me. I want him. Desire called out, choking me in its depths.
Before I could do anything, the door opened. Mateo stood in the doorway wearing his typical black pants and button up shirt. It was unbuttoned all the way, exposing his hard chest. The Kiss growled out. Give me him. I tore my gaze away from his chiseled abs and looked up. I sucked in a quick breath when our eyes met. The golden sweetness in his eyes held a splinter of amber fire that burned me to my core.
“Samira.” The relief in his voice was palpable. “I was worried about you. Where have you been? Why have you been avoiding me? You just disappeared.”
Pushing past him, I waited until he closed the door behind him before I swiveled around to face him. “I can’t stay long. What do you need?”
He approached me slowly, the silk shirt whispering across his skin. I pretended not to hear the sound. “Where are your glasses?”
I felt for the glasses in my pocket, just now realizing I’d put them in my pocket instead of on my face. “I forgot to put them on.”
He frowned.
I sighed, growing impatient. “Was that all you wanted? To check up on me? If so, look.” I motioned to myself. “I’m fine. Can I leave now?”
His hand came up to grasp my wrist and he yanked me to him, his eyes burning into me. “No. You cannot.”
Lust swelled within me, and I leaned over to run my nose up his neck, my fangs sliding out. “You want to play. Is that it, Mateo?” He stiffened for a moment, and I felt him harden, making my desire grow. “Because I’m willing, if you are.” My voice came out thick and heady, filled with need.
He took a step back, his brows furrowed. “And Faithe? I thought we were going to rescue her. What happened to that plan?”
Guilt tore through my body, cooling me instantly, and a sob threatened to burst from my lips. I suppressed it, biting my lip. Blood pooled in my mouth, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten nearly enough. How long could you feed on guilt and rage?
I know what can make you feel better, the Kiss whispered to me. Mateo can take all your pain away. I swallowed hard, pulling my incisors back in.
He continued. “Are you even upset that Lynx still lies in a coma? It’s been fifteen days and you haven’t checked in on her.”
“Cassandra said she would contact me when Lynx awoke. The doctors said there was nothing we could do.”
His eyebrow ticked up. “Samira.” His voice was a whisper, a caress across my skin. “What happened? I can tell you are upset.”
“Have you been to Winter’s Cove recently?” If he had, he’d know why I was upset. Everyone there knew Faithe was dead. Teddy had texted me several times when he found out. He wanted to talk, but I had yet to return his messages. He probably wanted to know how. I had no idea what story Korin had fed them.
Mateo scowled and walked into the kitchen. “I avoid that place as much as possible. Thirsty?”
My veins jumped at the mention of feeding. “Yes.”
He reached into his refrigerator and removed a couple of blood bags. He popped them into the microwave. “Is there a reason I need to go there?”
“None. That place is a revolving graveyard.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Korin’s power has grown, thanks to the Phoenix. He’s using it to kill off anyone who goes against him.” I thought of Petre and how Korin had made him burst into flames.
The timer on the microwave beeped and my stomach lurched in anticipation. Mateo retrieved the bags and handed me one. Grabbing it out of his hand, I drank it down quickly. I was tempted to ask for another, but the look on his face told me I’d betrayed how hungry I truly was. I turned my face away from him, ashamed.
“You’re still hungry.” He reached up and dragged his thumb across my lips, swiping at the remains of blood, and a trail of heat blazed with it. Before he could withdraw his hand, I parted my mouth and drew his thumb inside to taste every last drop. I caught a hint of rum in that drop.
His eyebrows lifted in surprise, and the golden embers in his glossy orbs burned bright with the same heat I felt in my lower abdomen. He moved closer to me, groaning. “You’re suffering. I wish you’d tell me why.”
Hearing the pity in his voice cooled the fire in my veins. I was about to rebuke him when a sound beyond the door reached my ears. Mateo heard it, too.
“Expecting company?” I asked.
He shook his head and in his next breath, his puzzled expression morphed to one of horror. “He’s here.”
I was about to ask who when I caught a familiar scent. Korin. A storm of anger and rage swelled within me. I was going to kill him, right here and now. “What’s he—”
“Shh.” Mateo pressed a finger to my mouth to silence me, his eyes fearful. A knock on the door had Mateo moving toward it, glancing back at me anxiously.
I inhaled several slow and steady breaths, trying to calm my inner storm. I had to think this through. Korin was still stronger than me. If I saw the tiniest of openings, I’d kill him, but only if I knew it was possible.
Mateo opened the door and greeted Korin as if they were old friends, yet he kept his arm on the doorjamb as if to block his view of where I stood in the living room. “What brings you here?”
“Aren’t you going to let us in?” Korin’s voice asked.
Us? I tried to look past Mateo but saw no one else.
“Of course. Come on in.” Mateo reluctantly opened the door. For a brief moment, I thought about hiding. Maybe I could surprise him. But it was too late, as my smell had probably already permeated his nose. So instead, I stepped back as Korin’s powerful presence filled the room. Michael trailed in after Korin with a human woman on his arm. Korin gave me a smug smile, and I clenched my fingers at my side to keep me from ripping his head off.
“Samira. So good to see you after our last encounter.”
I resisted the urge to grab a knife and stab him in the gut. “I’m leaving.”
Korin blocked my escape. “Are you still mad about what happened with Faithe?”
“Don’t say her name.” I heaved in a breath. “Don’t you dare.”
His lips twisted into a smile. “I loved her too. It was too bad, what happened to her.”
Rage clenched my gut. I was going to heave the blood in my stomach all over him.
“Faithe?” Mateo asked. His eyes went from me to Korin and understanding dawned in them. “What happened to her?”
Korin reached up as if to touch my hair. I flinched and moved away. “Don’t touch me.”
“Samira didn’t tell you? It was quite tragic.” Korin still stared at me, but his words were meant for Mateo. “She took her own life while Samira watched. Her own daughter. I can’t imagine how painful that must’ve been.”
“She didn’t take her own life. You killed her!” I screamed as all reasoning left me, and I lunged forward, a blade from within in my jacket app
earing in my hand. The tip reached his chest then stopped cold when he grabbed the silver end with his hand. The smell of copper stifled the room as my knife sliced into his palm, marking his chest. He growled, leaning forward, a dare in his eyes, but his hand on the blade was too strong. No matter how hard I pushed forward, I couldn’t drive it in any further.
I relented, feeling weak and worthless. I jerked the handle back, slicing open his palm again.
He gazed at the wound appreciatively. Then his cold eyes flickered to mine, and they warmed. “I like your passion. Not many would dare harm me, but I choose not to be offended. You are a valued member of my coven after all, despite your constant attacks against me.”
“But Master,” Michael hissed, “she nearly killed you! You must punish her.”
Korin whirled around to stare at Michael. “Don’t insult me. Her strength is mere child’s play compared to mine.”
Michael bowed his head in subservience. “I did not mean to offend.”
“I forgive you. This time.” The wound on Korin’s hand slowly healed. He lowered it and tsked Michael. “Calm yourself. Samira is confused, but she’ll understand her place soon.”
I couldn’t stand to hear another word. I moved to get past him again, but he gripped my arm. His hand warmed until it burned my flesh. I stared him in the eyes, refusing to flinch.
