Marked by a Vampire (The Hybrid Coven Book 1)

by Angela Sanders

  “I’m not quite sure,” he replied, pouring himself another finger of Scotch. “I assume it was a survival instinct and the ancestors came to your aid keeping you from the brink of death.”

  “Okay, but how do we help her access her magic?” Dee asked. “It’s not like I can march her into my coven and say, ‘Hey, got a new witch here, but oh, she’s a hybrid vamp too.’”

  Grace knew that Dee was beginning to get frustrated. She was doing her best to keep Grace calm, but it was obvious that she didn’t know what to do or how to help her friend. Grace loved her all the more for it too. If the situation were reversed, Dee would be going bat-shit crazy and Grace would be the one trying to move Heaven and Earth to help her. She knew that Dee would be there for her, no matter what the cost.

  Grace stared off into space, focusing on nothing in particular, lost in thought. She was thinking about her apartment and her job. How could she return to work now that she was a hybrid or at least becoming one? Not to mention, she had a bloodsucking monster most likely watching her every move if she ever left the safety of Matthew’s house. She felt trapped and no amount of magic could fix it. That was, until she at least learned how to use it, if what they were saying was true.

  Matthew broke the silence. “Dee, I have a few contacts within your coven who work very closely with us. I know they wouldn’t mind helping me teach Grace to hone her magic. She only needs to tap into the source and find her center.”

  “Oh no, you don’t, not without me,” Dee said. “I’m her best friend. I’ll be here to help as well. I’ve been a witch all my life. You might be older than dirt, no offense, but I can help her too. I’ll just take a leave of absence from work.” She walked toward the bar to pour herself a drink. “Let me tell you, I got about one nerve left and you’re getting on it. I didn’t even know hybrids existed before today but there is no way you’re taking over her training. I don’t know what being a hybrid will do to her, but I’m damned sure gonna see that she has her magic to help.”

  “Your help would be most appreciated. I didn’t mean to offend or insinuate otherwise.”

  “Apology accepted,” Dee said, taking a sip of Scotch and almost choking. “How do you drink that shit? Got anything else?”

  Matthew chuckled and offered to make her a martini or vodka on the rocks. She went for the martini and thanked him, setting the offensive Scotch back on the bar.

  “Ya know,” Dee began. “I thought I knew about all of the supernatural creatures in New Orleans. Apparently not. Learn something new every day.” She shook her head, then sipped her martini.

  Grace was still silent and the pair finally realized that they had been talking about her as if she weren’t there. “Honey, are you okay?” Dee asked, taking a seat next to her, trying to get her attention.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Well, as fine as I can be, I guess,” she answered, looking toward the dying flames in the fireplace.

  “Grace, I have a suggestion,” Matthew began, as he took his seat on the sofa. “I believe it would be wise for you to meet our coven leader, Genevieve, before anyone else is brought in. She’s gentle, caring and very understanding. She can answer any questions that you may have much better than I. She’s also extremely gifted in magic.”

  Grace shrugged. “At this point, what could it hurt? I’m clueless and a bit overwhelmed, but I have one condition: Dee stays.” She leaned back on the sofa, staring into his eyes for confirmation.

  Matthew nodded. “That will not be a problem. We have plenty of room here. Dee, do you mind staying at my home until Grace is more comfortable?” he asked.

  “Not at all. I just have a few things to take care of first,” Dee answered. “Grace, we need to talk to Geno and try to salvage your job and tell Amelia something. She won’t be happy that we’re hiding this from her, so it has to be good.”

  “Dee, there’s nothing to salvage. Life as I knew it is over, and no, I’m not feeling sorry for myself, I’m being realistic. I’ve been marked by a crazed vampire and have no idea how to protect myself or what it even means. So until then, I’m stuck,” Grace said, looking at her with tears brimming in her eyes.

  “All right, point made.”

  Grace suddenly fell to the floor, eyes rolling into the back of her head. She heard his voice—Donavon’s voice—in her mind. He was searching for her, screaming her name. She began to see a vision of him pacing in a dark room, his eyes were glowing a menacing green and his fangs were bared. He kept calling out to her, but she refused to answer. It was as if she was floating above him, outside of her body.

  He was in what seemed to be an old fashioned- style bedroom, with Victorian furniture and silver silk bedding with only two lamps lighting the expansive space—there were no windows. Donavon continued to demand that she answer his call, but she remained mute, watching the scene unfold. Another vampire entered the dark chamber; he looked like Caleb from the bar, asking his master if there was anything he could do. “You’ve done enough! You let her get away! Leave me!” Donavon shouted, then threw his bedside lamp against the wall, shattering it completely.

  Caleb retreated, but not before telling Donavon that he needed to rest and they could continue their search when the sun went down.

  Blackness began to ebb in the corners of Grace’s vision and she felt herself being pulled away just as Donavon punched Caleb and slammed the door in his face.

  “Grace! Wake up. Can you hear me?” Dee asked frantically, tapping her face.

  Grace opened her eyes to find Dee leaning over her and Matthew on his knees with a wet wash cloth wiping her forehead.

  “Finally, she’s awake. Grace, can you speak?” Matthew asked with concern in his cobalt eyes.

  It took a moment for Grace to get her bearings and to realize she’d just experienced a real-life vision. She knew the connection must have something to do with the vampire’s mark. She looked between the two of them and said, “I had a vision of Donavon.”

  “You what?” Dee shrieked, sitting back on her knees.

  “Not so much a vision as it was a link of some sort. I could see what he was doing and hear what he was saying. He was pissed because he couldn’t sense me and that I wouldn’t answer him. Does this have something to do with the mark?” She looked toward Matthew.

  “Unfortunately, yes,” he said. “However, you did not answer him and he cannot sense you because you are protected here.”

  “I’m confused,” Dee said. “How did he slip by me? I can always sense a vampire, but I didn’t sense him or his friends. Is there another breed I don’t know about?”

  “Not exactly,” Matthew answered, helping Grace from the floor and back to the couch. “They are most likely of old blood and have powers the newer generation of vampire do not. If that is the case, they can mask their scent and possess different abilities depending upon how powerful their maker was.”

  “Well that’s just freakin’ great. How do you defeat an ancient vampire if you can’t sense him?” Dee asked frustrated, moving toward the couch.

  Grace looked on as the two talked about vampires, still feeling out of sorts from the connection. Her body didn’t feel right; it was tingling and she had a warm sensation building in her abdomen. She had no idea what was going on. She only hoped Matthew’s protection wasn’t waning. She knew she had to find the strength within herself in order to survive.

  “It is not easy, but it can be done,” Matthew replied. “This is why we need Genevieve here. I’ll call her immediately and fill her in on what has happened.”

  Matthew left the room to make the call and Dee looked over to Grace. “Hey, are ya with me?” she asked.

  “Yeah, but now I know I need to learn how to use my magic and fast. I can’t allow the shock of it all to overwhelm me and rule my life. We have to break this damn link and find a way to fight back,” Grace said vehemently.

  “That’s my girl,” Dee said hugging her, then asked, “What are we gonna tell Amelia?”

  “Shit.” Grace hung
her head. “Wait, was she bitten? She was hot and heavy with what’s his name, Tristan, at the bar. Is she acting any differently?” she asked nervously.

  “Not that I’m aware of,” Dee replied. “She was fine when we went looking for you at your apartment after I got off work, but she’s been on vacation the past few days. Geno made her take four days off because she had too many vacation days. I haven’t seen her at work.” She grabbed her phone from her pocket and dialed Amelia immediately.

  “Wait, don’t call her yet,” Grace said, reaching for the phone. “We don’t know anything and what if she asks about me? Hang up before she answers.”

  “You’re right,” Dee agreed, disconnecting the call. “But, Grace, I haven’t seen her during the day. Granted, she didn’t look any different or try to eat me or anything, she was just worried about you.

  “Holy shit! If she did get turned, then the vampires could be using her to find you. We have to find out for sure.” She stood from the couch and went to make herself another drink.

  “This is insane, Dee. I mean, if she was turned by one of those ancient vamps, then she could have the same powers, meaning you wouldn’t be able to sense her. What the hell are we gonna do?” Grace asked, then went to bar and made herself a vodka on the rocks. She was usually a lightweight and didn’t drink, but screw it. Her nerves were shot and she needed to calm down.

  Matthew walked back into the living room, having heard their conversation about Amelia. “I heard what you said about Amelia and I am curious myself,” he said. “I’ve spoken to Genevieve and she’s eager to meet with you right away. Now, with the possibility of a baby vamp running around and spying on you, things could be even more complicated.

  He ran his hand through his jet-black hair and said, “Genevieve is on her way. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I did overhear your conversation and there’s only one way we can know for sure: we’ll have to leave the safety of the plantation, but not without protection spells. That’s something Genevieve, Dee and I can take care of.”

  Chapter 6

  Dee’s cell rang; it was Amelia, and she sent it straight to voicemail, then looked at Grace. “Dammit. I have to tell her something or she’ll keep blowing up my phone,” she said, pacing the family room, looking down at her ringing phone. Amelia was calling again.

  “Can’t you just turn it off for now, at least until we know what to do?” Grace asked.

  Matthew interrupted, “That sounds like a good idea. Genevieve will arrive momentarily. Then we can devise a plan.”

  “Okay,” Dee agreed, taking a breath and turning off her cell. She wasn’t the only one worried about Amelia. They both were. If she had been turned there was nothing they could do about it and Amelia would be a danger to Grace.

  The doorbell rang and all eyes went to the front door. Anabelle appeared out of nowhere and answered it, greeting who Grace assumed was Genevieve. She was the same woman in the picture above the mantel. That explained a lot—the coven leader most likely owned the home, or not. Maybe she and Matthew had a thing, but that didn’t matter. Grace’s mind was running a hundred miles per hour while random thoughts kept creeping in. Maybe it was part of the transition; she had no idea.

  Genevieve walked gracefully into the family room, greeting everyone with a gleaming smile. Her long, dark hair hung in waves down her back, and her eyes glowed a brilliant shade of blue. She was dressed in black slacks and an elegant blue blouse. Stunningly beautiful was the first thing that came to Grace’s mind when she took Genevieve’s pale hand into her own. There was no way she would ever mistake that woman for a vampire, witch, hybrid or whatever. She realized her thoughts were out of control again when she heard Dee attempting to get her attention, apparently for the second or third time.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t control my thoughts or seem to stay on track. Everything is jumbled,” Grace said, pointing to her head.

  Genevieve smiled. “It’s understandable considering what your body’s going through. The changes will be significant; however, you’ll be much more powerful than you once were. I’ll be here—we’ll be here to guide you,” she said warmly, grasping Grace’s hand, leading her to the couch where she sat beside her.

  “Thank you. I’m not sure how to act or what to do right now,” Grace said, looking into Genevieve’s eyes. “But one thing is for sure: I need all of you to teach me to do magic.”

  Genevieve nodded. “I understand your concerns. I will be here to guide you along the way and to help with your transition. I do apologize that you had to learn of our existence in such a manner.” She leaned over and embraced her tightly in a motherly hug.

  Grace couldn’t help the tears that escaped her. It had been four years since her adopted parents were killed in a plane crash on their way to a vacation in London, and she missed them terribly. She hadn’t felt such genuine warmth radiate from someone since she hugged her mother goodbye for the last time. Without realizing it, she hugged her back, sobbing into her shoulder. Crying for the loss of her parents, the loss of her career and the loss of everything that she knew. Genevieve continued holding her, smoothing her hair until her sobbing subsided.

  “I’m sorry for ruining your beautiful blouse,” Grace sniffled.

  “It’s no matter,” Genevieve said in a soothing tone. “This is a lot to take in and a good cry never hurt anyone. Now, let’s talk about what happened earlier; then we can formulate a plan and start your magic lessons right away.”

  Dee sat opposite them next to Matthew and began replaying what she saw when Grace slipped into her vision. Then went on to tell her about their fear of Amelia being turned by one of the other vampires and how it was possible she could be spying for them in order to locate Grace for Donavon. Genevieve listened attentively, nodding as Dee spoke.

  “It seems we need to locate this friend of yours,” Genevieve remarked. “She could become a problem. If she was indeed turned, I’ll have to contact a couple of witches from your coven to dispatch her soul before she can do any damage or put Grace in danger.”

  “What do you mean, dispatch her soul?” Dee asked, looking confused. “We’re not even sure if she’s a vampire, this is only speculation.”

  “Elizabeth Blanque is in possession of the only weapon that allows a vampire’s soul to be sent to God for redemption,” Genevieve explained. “It’s not common knowledge within your coven as it’s a power that was passed down from her father. She has the power of God’s light through the Sword of Light.”

  “Liz?” Dee asked, shocked. “I had no idea. I knew she took out rogue vampires, but this is all news to me. Wow.” She shook her head, then took a drink. “This day just keeps getting crazier by the minute.”

  “There’s more, but what we discuss must stay between us, understood?” Genevieve asked pointedly, looking at Dee. “That family has been through enough lately and they don’t need anything else coming down on them from your coven.”

  “No, I understand,” Dee replied. “I’ve heard a few things, but I also know something’s up with the coven right now and I don’t want any part of it. I just do my own thing and show up for meetings when I’m called.”

  “Good, it’s best if it stays that way for now,” Genevieve said, taking a sip of coffee. “I’ll give Elizabeth a call a bit later and have her join us if she can break away for a few hours.”

  “What can this Liz person do to help me?” Grace asked, sitting back on the couch, looking around at everyone in the room.

  “Many things,” Matthew piped in. “She can help us get rid of rogue vampires and possibly the one who marked you. She may be able to sense him along with your friend Amelia if she was indeed turned, where we cannot. Elizabeth is much more powerful than most of the witches in her coven,” he explained.

  “Well, that’s a relief. When can she be here? I’d like to get started sooner, rather than later,” Grace said, feeling her blood pressure rise and her heart beginning to race for no reason in particular. Al
l of a sudden, she felt like she was burning up all over and her hands began to shake uncontrollably.

  When she looked at her hands, her nails were back to normal, but her skin was becoming pale and she felt like everything she had eaten was about to come back up at any moment. “Where’s the bathroom?” she asked, holding her hand over her mouth to stop whatever was about to come out from spilling onto the floor.

  “Oh dear.” Genevieve jumped up. “Come with me,” she said, holding Grace by her shoulders and guiding her to the guest bathroom near the foyer.

  She barely made it to the toilet before violently chucking the contents of her stomach. Sweating profusely, her body was on fire with fever. Genevieve grabbed a washcloth from the closet and wet it in the sink, then held it to Grace’s forehead.

  “Unfortunately, this is part of your transition. It should be over soon,” Genevieve said trying to soothe her as Grace continued to retch and dry heave.

  Dee was standing in the doorway, looking helpless. “Is there anything I can do?” she asked.

  “If you don’t mind going to her room and drawing her a bath, I would greatly appreciate it.”

  “Okay, I’ll have Matthew show me to her room.”

  “We’ll meet you there in a few minutes after I get her cleaned up. Thank you, Dee.”

  “No problem,” she said and rushed out the door.

  ***

  Once Dee and Matthew arrived in Grace’s room, Dee immediately did as she was asked, running a warm bath, laying out towels and all the essentials she felt Grace would need. She found a fluffy blue robe inside the bathroom’s walk-in closet and hung it on the hook near the tub.

  Dee had no idea what to expect and was worried Grace wouldn’t make it through the transition. Hell, she didn’t even know what happened next and was almost too afraid to ask after what she’d just witnessed. Grace was pale as a ghost and looked nothing like the friend she’d known for seventeen years. She hoped the sickness was the worst of it and she wouldn’t come out on the other side with an insatiable bloodlust like the vampires she was accustomed to.