The Rise of Vlad (The Seeker Series Book 3)

by Ditter Kellen

  His cock pulsed behind his jeans, in need of something that only Nita could give.

  With a silent curse, he set his drink aside and stood. A soak in the hot springs would do him some good.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Nita arrived back at her camp after taking a dip in a nearby creek to wash off the remnants of her tryst with Vlad.

  She had done the unthinkable, and given herself to a vampire.

  Shifting back into human form, she stoked the embers of her fire and huddled in front of it, wrapping her arms around her knees to stay warm.

  What have I done? she wondered for the hundredth time. Did she have no control when it came to the Impaler?

  Her body betrayed her every time she was in his presence. Even when not in his presence, she silently admitted in disgust, remembering the car and shower scenes.

  Nita rested her chin on her knees, watching the flames of her fire grow higher, licking at the sky in search of the oxygen required to stay alive.

  Vlad had become her proverbial oxygen, taunting her from a distance, teasing her with something just out of reach.

  But he hadn’t been out of reach tonight, and he’d taken her to unimaginable heights.

  She needed to get a grip before he became an addiction she couldn’t do without.

  The hair suddenly stood up on her arms. Miles Castro’s scent reached her long before he stepped into the light.

  Nita scrambled for a blanket, quickly wrapping it around her body while facing her unwelcome guest. “What are you doing here?”

  “Checking on you,” he announced, stopping in front of her. “May I sit?”

  “This is a sacred place, Miles. I’m here in search of spiritual guidance.”

  He dropped to his haunches, a small smile on his lips. “I won’t stay long. I just came to apologize for my abrupt proposal. Not that I’m sorry for asking you to mate with me, but I feel that my timing could have been better. Forgive me?”

  Nita relaxed, returning his smile with one of her own. “There’s nothing to forgive. Ease your mind, Miles. I’m not upset with you.”

  He appeared relieved. “Thank you, Nita. Please take all the time you want to decide. I only need to know that you will consider me when the time comes.”

  Nita knew in her heart of hearts that she would never mate with Miles Castro. No matter that he was everything that she should want or need. But he wasn’t. Not even close. “I’m sorry, Miles. I truly don’t want to hurt you, but my feelings for you don’t go beyond friendship.”

  Something flashed in his eyes before he peered down at his hands. “Love comes in many forms. It can be instant for some, and grow over time for others. Love is a decision, Nita. I believe that with all my heart.”

  “You might be right, Miles. But love is the furthest thing from my mind at the moment.”

  Nita turned her face away as he leaned in to kiss her. “Miles, don’t.”

  “It’s that vampire, isn’t it?” Miles snarled, grabbing her by the arm. “I can smell him on you. It’s faint, but there.”

  Anger reared its head. “It has nothing to do with Vlad. I just don’t feel the same for you as you do for me.”

  “Vlad? You’re on a first-name basis with him now?”

  “Leave, Miles. I don’t need this right now.”

  Miles let go of her arm and jumped to his feet. “If the pack finds out you’ve been consorting with vampires, you won’t have to worry about divine intervention. Not even the spirits will save you from their wrath.”

  Nita knew he spoke the truth. She returned her gaze to the flames as he shifted into wolf form and disappeared the way he’d come.

  * * * *

  Nita lay on her side, covered in a fur-skinned blanket. She had been in the mountains for five days without food or water, calling to the spirits for guidance only to be met with silence.

  She hadn’t had a vision since the first night she’d made camp, hours before she’d given herself to Vlad.

  Conjuring up what little strength she had left, Nita dressed, gathered her meager belongings, and stumbled her way down the mountain toward home.

  She arrived in front of her cabin a couple of hours later and let herself inside.

  After dropping her things on the couch, she made her way to the kitchen and sucked down two glasses of water before making a sandwich.

  A knock sounded mere seconds after she’d scarfed down her food.

  Nita made her way back to the living room and opened the door to find the Shaman standing on her porch.

  She backed up a step. “Won’t you come in?”

  He shook his head. “Follow me.”

  Nita glanced down the hall toward her bathroom, longing for the feel of a hot shower. “Now?”

  He didn’t reply, only shuffled off in the direction of his dwelling.

  With a sigh of exhaustion, Nita strode off after him. She didn’t dare disobey her Shaman.

  They arrived at his place a few minutes later. He held the door open for her and followed her inside.

  “Sit.”

  Nita pulled out a chair in the same kitchen she’d been in less than a week before, and waited for him to speak. She didn’t have long to wait.

  “The spirits are displeased, leader of the Kiana. The fate of our people is shadowed in uncertainty.”

  Nita’s heart lurched. “Tell me what to do, wise one.”

  “What is done cannot be undone. We all must pay for our transgressions.”

  “Do you know what is going to happen to my people?” Nita whispered in a pleading tone.

  The Shaman shook his head. “Only the spirits truly know the outcome.”

  “So there’s nothing that can be done?”

  The old man sat, sorrow swimming in his faded brown eyes. “You must be purged in the old ways. What happens from there is not of my control.”

  “I had a vision on the mountain,” Nita blurted, remembering the robed man standing near the river of blood.

  “Tell me of this vision.”

  Nita took a deep breath and recited everything she’d been shown, from the robed man to the dead vampires and shifters. “There were humans as well, rotting in the water. Does this mean the end of us all?”

  The Shaman rested his wrinkled hands on the table before him. “You must make a great sacrifice to the spirits for the Kiana’s salvation. If you are willing.”

  “I’m willing!” Nita vehemently whispered. “I will do anything to save my people.”

  The Shaman stood, staring down at her through wise old eyes. “Get your things in order and return to me when the sun sets.”

  Nita didn’t have to ask what he meant by that statement. He didn’t expect her to survive the ritual.

  Rising on shaky legs, she numbly staggered toward the door, stopping with her hand on the knob. “I’ll do what it takes to right what I’ve done. Even if it costs me my life.”

  “Sacrifices are sometimes required by the spirits, sweet Nita. Perhaps you will find mercy in their eyes.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Vlad entered the great hall of his castle, thoughts of Nita plaguing his every step. He’d felt her anguish in his sleep.

  Mordecai appeared before him, carrying a tray of cookies for Lucius. “Atticus and Declan are on their way here, my lord.”

  Vlad stifled a sigh. “How long before they arrive?”

  “Any minute now.” The elderly butler turned toward the stairs.

  “The child eats cookies?” Vlad stared in disgust at the tray of chocolate chips.

  “Indeed he does, my lord. I have never seen the likes of this one.”

  Vlad could relate. He’d never known of another vampire that drank blood and consumed food either. Not to mention one that could walk in the sun, other than the ones too diluted to know what they truly were. “He must be protected at all costs, Mordecai.”

  “I will guard him with my life,” Mordecai swore, climbing the stairs with more vigor than his age should allow.

/>   The doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of the council members. Vlad waved to Mordecai to prevent him from slowing his steps. “I’ll get it.”

  Blurring his way to the foyer, Vlad opened the door and invited the two council members inside before closing it behind them. “Shall we take this to the den?”

  Declan nodded, already heading in the direction Vlad indicated. Atticus followed.

  “Have a seat and tell me of this plan you’ve concocted.” Vlad nodded toward the couch.

  Atticus spoke first. “The plan we’ve devised requires the help of the Kiana leader.”

  Vlad’s gut tightened at the mention of Nita, but he kept his expression blank. “What makes you think the alpha of the Kiana would help you?”

  “We don’t,” Atticus quipped. “But we do believe she would help you.”

  Guarding his emotions, Vlad stood and glided over to the bar. He kept his back to the council members as he poured himself a glass of his most coveted wine.

  “You’re wrong,” Vlad finally answered, turning to study the two stone-faced vampires. “Miss Franks despises the very ground I walk on.”

  Atticus held his hand up to the light as if to study his nails. “I don’t think she does. And even so, you saved her life. That has to count for something.”

  Vlad’s patience wore thin, giving way to his anger. “I saved her as repayment for rescuing Shon’s mate’s life, as well as protecting Lucius from a Seeker known as Ellis.”

  “And if I recall correctly,” Atticus mumbled, “She was there to repay a debt to begin with.”

  Vlad was in the vampire’s face, his hand around his throat before Atticus could blink. “Do not think yourself above my wrath. Your accusations are neither wanted nor welcome. If you value your tongue, I suggest you keep it behind your teeth where it belongs. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Perfectly,” Atticus seethed.

  Vlad released him with a slight shove before turning to face Declan. If Vlad were inclined to trust any of the council members, which he didn’t…it would be Declan. “Tell me your thoughts.”

  Declan ran his fingers down his silk tie and met Vlad’s penetrating stare. “I think it’s a surefire way to flush them out. Miss. Franks seems to be the only one that knows the identity of the man we’re looking for. We find him, we find the lair.”

  “Do you really expect her to help you, her most hated adversary?”

  “I think she might do it for Lucius. She seems to have some strange fixation on Angelo.”

  Vlad’s fangs shot down before he could stop them. He took a healthy drink of wine to calm himself enough for them to retract.

  Declan’s insinuation that Nita wanted Angelo, enraged Vlad, but he managed to keep his tone smooth and even. “Tell me the plan, and I will have Angelo speak with her.”

  Declan looked relieved. “We would like for Miss. Franks to locate the man she met with—“

  “Wade Leighton,” Vlad interrupted.

  Declan gave him a blank stare. “I’m sorry?”

  “The man you seek. His name is Wade Leighton.”

  “How long have you known this?” Atticus asked, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

  Vlad swung his gaze to the blond council member. “A day or two.”

  “It doesn’t matter how he knows,” Declan stated, bringing Vlad’s focus back on him. “It only matters that he does.”

  Once again fingering his tie, Declan continued. “If we can get Miss. Franks to inform Leighton, that many of her people have been slaughtered by the vampires, and in retaliation, the shifters have destroyed the Impaler, and plan to attack the council members, he may offer his assistance.”

  Vlad shifted his gaze to Atticus and back to Declan. “I see. Then what?”

  “Miss. Franks can then track him back to their lair. You and Angelo can destroy them before the know what hit them.”

  “Assuming they are in the lair. They’re humans, Declan. I imagine that most of them have families, jobs and homes.”

  “Bring down the leaders, and you’ll destroy the flock. Besides, I can almost guarantee there are documents, computer logs or records of every man, woman and child associated with the seeker society, inside that lair.”

  Vlad figured as much also. “Very well. Angelo, Shon, and I will handle it. If the shifter agrees to help us. I’ll be in touch.”

  Declan stood and offered his hand. “Thank you, my old friend. We will speak soon.”

  Accepting his outstretched palm, Vlad gave him a small smile. “Always a pleasure, Declan.”

  “You are not going to offer us a snack?” Atticus questioned, his nostrils flaring for dramatic effect.

  Vlad released Declan’s hand and turned to face Atticus. His voice was deadly soft as he stepped in close to the shorter vampire. “If you ever presume to touch anyone under my protection, I will flay the skin from your bones and stake you to the ground for the sun to enjoy.”

  “Let us go, Atticus,” Declan intervened, turning toward the door, “before you end up dust in the wind.”

  Vlad watched them glide toward the door in a hurry to leave, his mind already returning to the shifter.

  Nita hadn’t been far from his thoughts since the moment he’d awoken that evening. Something was amiss with her. He could feel it.

  Blurring his way up the stairs, Vlad stopped outside Angel’s room and tapped on the door.

  “Come in,” Angel called above his son’s tinkering laughter.

  Vlad pushed open the door and stepped inside. “I must speak with you and Shon, at once.”

  “What’s going on?” Shon questioned, entering the room with Laura on his arm.

  “I’m sure you both are aware of the council members’ visit,” Vlad began.

  Angel nodded. “I heard everything.”

  “Same here,” Shon piped in. “Do you think Nita will agree to this plan?”

  Vlad gazed into Shon’s eyes from beneath the hood of his cloak. “We will know soon enough. I am going to see her now.”

  Shon’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re going into shifter territory?”

  “We’ll come with you,” Angel offered, handing Lucius to Ember.

  Vlad shook his head. “I go alone.”

  Angel rested his hands on his hips. “The wolves aren’t going to just let you walk into their territory, Sire. If they—”

  “I can take care of myself,” Vlad interrupted, annoyed that he’d been questioned. “I will return shortly.”

  Vlad left the room before any of them could argue. The pull of Nita’s fear called to him, summoning him to her side.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Nita stared up at the stars, fighting the nausea rolling through her stomach. She had returned to the Shaman’s cabin at nightfall to find him sitting around a fire and murmuring something in the old language.

  He’d given her a foul-smelling concoction that had rendered her unconscious. She’d awoken some time later, nude and strapped to a table near the fire.

  Voices surrounded her, chanting words that she couldn’t understand in her drugged state.

  The Shaman’s face suddenly appeared in her line of sight. “I have petitioned the spirits on your behalf. Your fate is now in their hands, my child.”

  “What is going to happen to me?” Nita slurred, blinking to clear her vision. Her heart felt as if it were going to explode at any moment.

  “You must stay strong,” the Shaman told her, his voice fading into the background as the chanting grew louder. “For death will come for you, and in his mouth will be daggers of blood, the blood of our ancestors. Call out to them, that they may heap mercy upon your soul.”

  A blade slid across her wrist, wrenching a hiss from her throat.

  The chanting grew louder as the knife opened her other wrist as well.

  Nita’s terrified gaze scanned the painted faces of the men and women dancing around her, their voices melding together to become one horrific hum.

  She was going to die, of that she h
ad no doubt.

  Vlad’s face floated through her mind, hauntingly beautiful with his pale blue eyes and full lips.

  How could she think of him at a time like this? she wondered, fighting the panic rising in her chest. He was the reason she’d been forced in this position to start with.

  “Nita…” Vlad’s voice whispered in the dark, beckoning her.

  “Vlad?” If Nita lived to be a thousand, she would never understand why she answered his call. Of course when it came to the Impaler, nothing she did made sense.

  The burning in her wrists began to numb, but nothing compared to the feeling of cold now seeping into her body.

  “Once you have bled out,” the Shaman informed her, leaning in close to her ear. “Your blood will be replenished by a warrior chosen to be your mate. If the spirits deem you worthy, you will bear the warrior many sons.”

  Nita’s heart nearly stopped at the Shaman’s words. If she came out of this alive, she would be mated to the one they choose to give her blood.

  She attempted to shake her head, her mouth opening to plead with the Shaman not to do this. But no sound came forth.

  Her breathing began to slow, as did her heartbeat. Nita fought with everything she had, to no avail. With chills racking her nude frame, her body grew numb, and the darkness threatened to overtake her.

  “Do not fight it,” the Shaman insisted. “It is the only way.”

  Miles Castro suddenly appeared next to the Shaman. “We were destined to be mated from birth, my love.”

  “No,” Nita managed to wheeze, tears welling up in her eyes. She would rather die than be mated to a man she didn’t love.

  Miles reached up and stroked her hair. “Once my blood flows through your veins, you will be mine until death. I will give you strong sons and daughters, and our sons will lead the Kiana, long after we are gone.”

  Nita stared up at Miles Castro’s face, attempting to convey with her eyes what her voice couldn’t say.

  Miles softly kissed her lips before dragging his mouth to her ear. “You will stay alive, or your mother will pay for your sins.”

  Nita began to fight in earnest. Castro had just threatened her mother’s life if Nita didn’t survive.