“I won’t tell you again.” She turned on her heel and started searching in earnest.
“Or what?” Balthazar thundered, grabbing her shoulder and yanking her back around to face him. Quinn reacted instinctively. Snatching his hand off her shoulder, she twisted his arm savagely, kicking out at his legs and sweeping him off his feet, all the while keeping a firm grip on his wrist. A second later he hit the ground and she placed her booted foot against his throat. She twisted his raised arm further and he grunted with pain.
“Let him go,” Rowena snarled, brandishing a small silver dagger. Quinn smiled indulgently.
“Put that down before you get hurt.”
“Let him go,” Rowena repeated, moving closer. Quinn released Balthazar’s arm and in one swift movement, knocked the knife from Rowena’s hand.
A small crowd was gathering around them, having noticed the commotion.
“Call your people off,” Quinn warned, as Balthazar got to his feet. “You know what I am. Call them off, before things get ugly.”
“Everything’s fine,” he called, waving them away. When there was no risk of being overheard, Quinn continued.
“Now, I’m going to find Monique and, when we are gone, you’re going to pack up your things and get going.”
“We can’t do that.”
“I don’t think you understand me, Balthazar. I’m not asking you.”
“We have a right to be here.”
“No, you don’t. You seek something that doesn’t belong to you.”
“The wards belong to no-one,” he spat.
“True. But I am sworn to protect them.”
“You are sworn to protect them from those who would destroy them!” he countered furiously.
“Quinn!” Monique’s frantic voice yelled, and they turned to see her sprinting toward them, Jonas right behind her.
“What’s going on?” Jonas demanded, as they skidded to a halt.
“We’re leaving,” Quinn stated flatly.
“Dad?” Jonas was frantic, “what happened?” Both Quinn and Balthazar ignored him.
“You have twenty-four hours,” Quinn instructed.
“We’re not going anywhere.”
“Going?” Jonas shook his head, “what are you talking about?”
“If you’re not gone by tomorrow, I will bring the entire Guardianship down on you like a plague,” Quinn promised, before seizing Monique’s hand and hauling her out of the campsite.
Chapter 27
Drake cursed as he tossed and turned in his bed. Damn her! Before meeting Quinn he had slept only too easily but now his conscience pricked him. He didn’t like the way things had ended after their last meeting, but he couldn’t return to New Haven without information, which was proving more difficult to obtain than he had thought. He was getting nowhere and, since Lenora’s untimely arrival, Genevieve had withdrawn even more. He listened to the sound of her breathing beside him. That was another thing – he had always found Genevieve as sexy as hell but now, making love to her had lost its appeal. He growled into his pillow, willing sleep to come.
The sound of sirens in the street below broke the monotony of his insomnia. Curious, Drake drew back the bedroom curtains and watched as an ambulance careened down his street, streaking past his house and taking a left into Ridge road. Quinn’s house was on Ridge road. Drake dressed quickly and slipped out of the house.
When he first spotted the red lights flashing outside Quinn’s house, he thought the worst. Fearful that she might have returned without his knowledge, he knew a moment of pure, unadulterated terror. Then he spotted Sarah, her tear-streaked face a mess, and an instant later he recognised Todd, pallid and lifeless as the paramedics loaded him onto a stretcher. Making his way over, he touched Sarah’s shoulder. She jumped, barely recognising him in her distraught state.
“What happened?” he asked.
“Something attacked him,” she replied, her eyes fixed on Todd’s pale body. Not as lifeless as Drake initially thought, but barely breathing, Drake could see the blood spattered across his throat and soaking through his shirt. Sarah made to move towards him, but Drake held her back.
“Calm down,” he instructed, and Sarah’s body relaxed immediately. He didn’t have much time; a policeman with a notebook was hovering just out of earshot, speaking with one of the paramedics. “Tell me exactly what happened.”
“We heard a noise in the backyard and Todd went outside to check it out. Then I heard him screaming. I found him near the fence, lying in a pool of blood. They’re saying it must have been a dog, but there’s no way a dog did that…” her voice broke.
Of course it hadn’t been a dog, of that Drake was certain. The bite wound on Todd’s neck was the work of a vampire. Drake’s first thought was that Genevieve was responsible, but she had been in bed with him when the attack occurred. Grimly, he recalled that there was another vampire currently residing in Brookfield: Lenora. Taking Sarah firmly by the shoulders he demanded her undivided attention. He couldn’t afford for her to start an investigation.
“It was a dog,” he murmured. “You saw it in the backyard. It was big and dark and it attacked Todd, but you managed to chase it away.” Sarah nodded mutely and Drake released her. He would have to pay Todd a visit in the hospital, if he survived, to make sure that he told the same story. The policeman stepped towards them, but Sarah quickly brushed him away, insisting that she needed to be with Todd and that she would give her statement later. She jumped into the back of the ambulance and it made a wide turn before heading back in the direction it had come, red lights flashing.
Drake waited until the small crowd of neighbours had dispersed and the police cars had vacated the area before he crept into Sarah’s backyard. He followed the scent of fresh blood and soon found the place where Todd had been attacked. A dark stain marred the green grass, and a small wooden bench had been overturned nearby, but there was no sign of Todd’s attacker. Wearily, Drake headed home to confront his oldest friend.
It was hours before Lenora finally pulled open the front door. Her foot was halfway over the threshold when Drake seized her and hauled her into the house.
“How dare you!” he snarled, tossing her onto the sofa. Lenora was back on her feet in an instant.
“What is your problem?” she hissed furiously.
“A boy in the next street was attacked tonight… by a vampire,” he added pointedly.
“So?”
“This town is my home. You of all people should know how important it is to keep a low profile if we wish to settle anywhere for any length of time.”
“Wait a minute,” Lenora had finally twigged, “you think I had something to do with this?”
“You’re saying you didn’t?”
“Give me some credit. I taught you how to blend in, remember? Why on earth would I do something so stupid?”
She had a point and, more importantly, Drake believed her. Lenora was honest to the point of brutality; she wouldn’t lie about something like this.
“But then who?” He straightened the strap of her dress which had slipped off her shoulder.
“My money’s on Genevieve,” she replied tactlessly.
“Genevieve was with me.” Lenora looked as though she had just tasted something that didn’t agree with her.
“Well, if it wasn’t her, then the obvious conclusion is that there is another vampire in town. And don’t look at me like that,” she added. “I didn’t tell anyone where I was going. Nobody followed me here.”
She must be mistaken, Drake thought. It was too coincidental; Lenora arriving in town and a vampire attack only a few days later.
“Aren’t you going to draw those?” Lenora asked, gesturing at the heavily-lined curtains. In his agitation, Drake had almost forgotten the sun was less than an hour away. He kept the fact that the sun didn’t affect him a secret, knowing that if other vampires learned the truth, he would be hounded mercilessly as to how. Day-walking was something that most vampires only d
reamed about. He had never told Genevieve, Lenora, or even Charlotte, although he would have told her in time, if she had remained human. It was a secret he protected above all else and yet he had not been able to bring himself to let Quinn die that morning she had been attacked by Genevieve’s men. Ironically, the first person who had learned the truth about him, was a Guardian.
Quickly he drew the curtains and Lenora visibly relaxed.
“I think it’s time I got some sleep,” she announced, getting to her feet. She had taken only a few steps toward the stairs when she turned, in a half-crouch, toward the front door. Drake sensed it too, and he darted forward, stepping between her and the front door as it swung open.
Drake’s mouth pressed into a grim line as he recognised the uninvited guest. Stepping out from behind a thick-set, golden-haired man who reeked of the musky scent synonymous with werewolves, was Charlotte.
“Shut the door, Tane,” Charlotte crooned, breaking the astonished silence. Both Drake and Lenora resisted the urge to attack the wolf, but they had long fought the lure of the blood of their enemies, and Drake was so dumbstruck by Charlotte’s presence in his home that he barely noticed the wolf, his eyes fixed on the evil girl he had tried so hard to forget. Genevieve on the other hand had embraced the Quest, and she flew down the stairs, her fangs bared. Drake reached for her as she passed, but she dodged him easily. As she lunged toward Tane, Charlotte moved, so quickly that neither Drake nor Lenora could stop her. She struck, and Genevieve was knocked aside with the force of the blow, crashing into the marble table that adorned the hall.
Drake reacted instinctively, but Charlotte was too quick for him. A silver stake appeared in her hand as if by magic, and she pressed it firmly against Lenora’s back, before Drake could lay a finger on her.
“You would do well to teach your friend some restraint,” she sneered, inclining her head toward Genevieve. “Tane is under the protection of the council, and, as such, he may not be harmed.”
“You’re consorting with wolves now, Charlotte?” Drake had regained control of his senses and his voice oozed with derision. “Isn’t that a little beneath you?”
“Not at all,” she smiled. “Tane is an exceptional individual, far removed from the filth of his kind. Now, are you going to play nice, or am I going to have to stake your pretty friend here?” Both Genevieve and Lenora were older than Charlotte, but the presence of the stake put control firmly in Charlotte’s hot little hand.
Genevieve groaned from where she lay on the floor and Drake was beside her in an instant, his mind whirling. What was Charlotte doing here? It certainly explained the attack on Todd’s life, but he found himself wishing Lenora had been responsible after all. Blood trickled from a gash on Genevieve’s temple, but it was her pride that was most wounded.
“Let her go,” Drake met Charlotte’s icy gaze over Lenora’s shoulder. “I give you my word no harm will come to you.”
“Speak for yourself,” Genevieve rasped.
“Ah, you must be Sebastian’s sister,” Charlotte grinned. “I wish I could offer my condolences over your brother’s disappearance, but in truth, he did me a favour. You see, I have taken his seat on the council.” Genevieve gasped in outrage. Drake, however, already knew. It was the only reason he had not attacked Charlotte the second she walked in the door. Her position protected her.
“You’re lying,” Genevieve hissed.
“She’s not.” Despite their differences, Lenora sounded almost sorry for Genevieve.
“Finally! Someone with a little common sense!” Charlotte released Lenora triumphantly.
“What do you want?” Drake asked wearily.
“Don’t be like that,’ Charlotte simpered, “Aren’t you even a little happy to see me? After everything we shared?” she added spitefully, as Genevieve’s face fell.
“No, I’m not.” Drake replied. “You’re still a vindictive bitch, Charlotte. I assume it was you who attacked the boy down the street?”
“I was hungry,” she pouted. “And he was too delicious to pass up.” Drake noticed Tane’s eyes narrow.
“You think she cares about you?” he asked. “That she will be faithful to you? You’re barking up the wrong tree. Of all the vampires in the world, you decided to trust this one? You must be stupider than you look.”
“Tane,” Charlotte held out a restraining arm as the wolf made toward Drake, his hands balled into fists at his sides. “Don’t.” Drake was no ordinary vampire. Charlotte knew just how deadly he could be and she still needed Tane.
Staring into Drake’s startlingly green eyes, Charlotte realised just how much he had changed. He was still as sexy as hell, damn him, but there was also a coldness to him that she had never seen before. It only made him that much more appealing. Drake had always been powerful, but his love for her had made him weak. Now, strength radiated off him. Charlotte could only imagine what they could achieve together.
Genevieve noticed the predatory look in Charlotte’s eyes, and her lip curled.
“Genevieve, I think we should let these two catch up,” Lenora spoke, sensing trouble brewing. Genevieve could not attack a member of the council without paying the price, no matter how provoked.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Genevieve, go upstairs, now.” Drake’s tone left no room for argument.
“Tane, go and enjoy the sunshine,” Charlotte instructed, as Genevieve let Lenora lead her away. “Take your time.” Wordlessly, the wolf slipped back outside into the cold light of day.
“You’ve changed,” Charlotte said when they were finally alone. Drake didn’t acknowledge the implied compliment.
“What do you want?”
“I’ve changed, too. I’m not the same person I was before.”
“You’re exactly the same.”
“I’ve missed you.” Again, he refused to rise, and Charlotte moved closer. “Have you missed me at all? Even a tiny bit?”
“No.”
“I think you’re lying. You loved me once. That kind of emotion doesn’t simply disappear.” She reached for him, and then very deliberately drew her hand back. Drake looked as though he had been turned to stone, and she felt a thrill run through her. He was not as unaffected by her presence as he wanted her to believe. “You left me,” she injected just the right amount of hurt and regret into her voice.
“I salvaged what little pride I had left to me,” he corrected, “and I doubt you even noticed.”
“That’s not true! I searched everywhere for you.” Drake didn’t bother correcting her. They both knew she was lying, but Charlotte loved her theatrics and she could play this game for hours.
“What do you want?” he asked again.
“I want you to say you forgive me. I treated you terribly, but you must know I never stopped loving…”
“Cut the crap,” he snapped. “You’re not capable of love. Why don’t you skip this little act and get to the real reason why you’re here?”
She put on a great show of wounded vulnerability. Tears shone liquid in her brown eyes, spilling over the thick sooty lashes to glide down her porcelain smooth cheeks. Drake ran his hands through his hair in sheer frustration.
“I don’t have time for your games, Charlotte.”
This time, she didn’t hold back. Like an insecure child looking for reassurance, Charlotte threw herself forward, slipping her slim arms around his waist and burying her face in his chest. Her fragile form was so familiar, evoking long suppressed memories, and Drake hated himself for not being able to forget.
“I’m not playing games,” she murmured thickly. Despite her innocent act, Drake could hardly fail to notice the expert way she pressed herself against him, or his body’s traitorous reaction to her bold touch. Charlotte suppressed a snide smile. Instead, she composed her features into the most sincere expression and gazed up at him. “I want you back, Drake.”
“That,” he murmured huskily, dropping his head so that their mouths were only an inch apart, “is never g
oing to happen, you homicidal bitch.”
She didn’t react, but, realising that Drake wasn’t going to succumb to her wiles so easily, Charlotte changed tactics.
“I believe you still have no interest in the Quest.”
“None at all.” he replied, relieved that she was finally getting to the real reason she was here.
“May I ask why?”
“Because it is a fool’s errand. A waste of our time. We will never find the City and, even if we did, what good would it do?” It was the standard answer he always gave when questioned on the subject. “The Guardians would simply release the heir, and with him, all of the Fae magic. We would be right back where we started.” It was exactly the answer Charlotte had been hoping for.
“What if I were to tell you that we could secure the crystals? That Wintyr would be locked in that temple for the rest of eternity?” Drake laughed coldly.
“I would tell you that you are not the first person to come up with that idea. In case you’ve forgotten, we have witnessed what happens when a crystal is stolen.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” she murmured softly. That was the night she had been turned. Drake’s face fell as he recalled the last night she had been gloriously, truly human. The last night she had loved him to the depth of her soul.
“Well then, you should know that we will never possess even one crystal, let alone twelve.”
“You’re wrong,” she whispered, coming to sit beside him. “Tane’s brother, Caleb, is inside the City as we speak.” Drake only just barely kept his emotions in check at the mention of the wolf’s name. He had heard it before – from Quinn. Caleb was the very wolf he had suspected of murdering her sister. It didn’t bring him any comfort knowing that he had been right. “And,” Charlotte continued, licking her lips, “I have a Guardian.” At this, his head jerked up. He could not contain himself.
“What do you mean, ‘you have a Guardian’?” he demanded.
“I mean there is a Judas in their midst. The Guardianship has fallen.” Drake’s mind spun as he processed this new information. It was unthinkable; impossible.
Guardians of Summerfeld: Full Series: Books 1-4 Page 46
