Legacy: Bloodline Book 1

by Michelle Bredeson

  Carly pushed at the covers, her limbs aching as she sat up on the side of the bed.

  “Whoa, do you need help?” Crys asked.

  “No, thanks,” Carly muttered, managing to stand. “I just need a minute.” She tiptoed to the bathroom and locked herself inside. She looked like hell, but that couldn’t be helped considering the night she’d had. She emerged a few minutes later to find Crystal, Gabe, and her father all standing in her bedroom, staring at her.

  Howard stepped over to wrap her up in a hug. “I love you so much, Carly. I’m so sorry about all of this.”

  Carly wiped at her tears as she pulled away. The encounter with the ruskah had made her realize that even though her mother was gone, she still had a father who—despite his flaws—loved her completely. Even if she had to act as the parent half the time. “I’m okay, Dad.”

  “We should head downstairs. Paul and I would like to speak with you.”

  “Paul?” Carly asked. She wasn’t sure who he was, but did she have to meet him right now?

  Gabe handed her a cup of coffee. “My dad.”

  Carly eyed him as she took a sip. She’d heard all kinds of things about Gabe’s dad, a full blood, but she’d never had the pleasure of meeting him. She wondered what he’d think of her. Would he like her, and—more importantly—would he think she was good enough for his son?

  Knowing the introduction couldn’t be avoided, she led the way downstairs. Carly’s confidence dwindled, however, when she found Paul pacing the living room floor. He was both well dressed and well groomed, and did indeed look like an older version of his son. His clean-cut appearance made Carly wish she’d put just a little more effort into her own.

  “Carly,” Paul gasped as he looked her over. “You’re a mirror image of your mother.”

  Carly tucked her hair behind her ear, not sure if that was a compliment or not. “Thank you?”

  “I’m Paul, Gabriel’s father. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

  “Likewise.”

  “I wasn’t exactly expecting you to show up here, Dad,” Gabe mentioned.

  “And I wasn’t expecting you to face a ruskah last night,” Paul countered. “But here we are. Carly, I came to offer my help. Now, it’s true I don’t possess the same level of power as my son, but I can still patrol and keep an eye out for anything strange. From what we know of ruskahs, they only come out at night, so as long as the sun’s out, we can all relax.”

  “Relax?” Gabe mocked. “Those monsters are still out there!”

  “And we’re all in here, safe, because of you, Gabriel. Because last night you proved where your bloodline has been leading you all these years. You were meant to be Carly’s protector. Don’t you see that now? The rest of us sure do.”

  Carly’s gaze fell along with her stomach, and she was sure she’d puke. It was one thing to feel like she had a connection with Gabe, but quite another for people to talk about it right in front of her. She was still trying to sort out what exactly she wanted, and didn’t appreciate third-party commentary—even if it came with the best of intentions.

  Howard wrapped his arm around Carly’s shoulders. “You look like you need to sit down.”

  “What I need is to know why you didn’t do any of this for Mom,” Carly informed him, stowing her cup on the coffee table. “The ruskah told me it killed Mom. And do you know why it did it? Because it came looking for me. Because it somehow knew who I was, and it wanted to kill me, but it killed Mom instead. Where was her protection? Where was the clan of shapeshifters that could have kept her safe? You’re so worried about me right now—about making sure I’m okay. Maybe Mom would still be here if you’d put in all this effort a year ago.”

  Carly had nothing more to contribute, and raced through the house, out the back door, finally stopping at the cliffs overlooking Lake Superior. Waves churned against jagged rocks below, and for a moment, she was tempted to join them. It would be better to end this whole thing now than let one of those monsters kill her.

  “The ruskahs won’t go away even if you do,” Gabe spoke from behind her.

  Carly looked at him through the corner of her eye. She didn’t know what to say to him or anyone else, so she just turned back to the fierce waves. The ruskah had killed her mother. The creature had taken something from Carly she could never replace, and she had no idea how to come back from that.

  Gabe rested his hand on her shoulder, sparks shimmering between them. She wanted to believe he’d protect her, but what if he couldn’t? Or worse, what if he ended up losing his life, too?

  “Carly, I know exactly what you’re going through,” Gabe sympathized. “And I know how hard this is, but you will find a way through it. It seems impossible, but it’s not. I’ve lived all these years without my mother, and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s better than not living at all.”

  Carly shook her head. “How do you know that? What if you would’ve been better off going with her?”

  “I know I wouldn’t be better off.”

  “How? How could you possibly know something like that?”

  “Because if I’d gone with her, I never would’ve met you.”

  There was no mistaking the way Gabe was looking at her, but Carly couldn’t think about that right now. She wouldn’t allow herself to look past the truth of the matter. “My mom died because of me.”

  “You’ve got to stop blaming yourself, Carly,” Gabe said. “You had nothing to do with her death. This whole thing with the ruskahs isn’t about you, or any of us.”

  “Then what is it about?”

  “I don’t know. I have my theories, but I honestly don’t know. But no matter what it is, it’s worth living through. I’ll do whatever I have to in order to make you feel safe again. I’ll kill every single one of those things if that’s what it takes.”

  Carly dared to meet his gaze, and was able to tune out most of her conflicted feelings for him. “Do you really think you can kill a ruskah?”

  “Yes, Carly. For you, I think I can do just about anything.”

  She gave into her impulses and threw her arms around his neck, pulling him close in a hug. She wanted to believe him—she had to, because she was out of options. At this point, Gabe was the only thing holding her together.

  Gabe folded his arms around her waist, burying his face in her hair. He didn’t say anything, but he didn’t need to. Carly understood he’d truly sacrifice anything for her.

  She finally allowed what had happened to her mother to fully sink in, and wept into his neck. Gabe didn’t seem to mind as he held her, and Carly let out every last tear before she pulled away. She wiped at her eyes, and managed, “Y-you’re right.”

  “I am?” Gabe replied.

  “And I’m scared.”

  “That’s okay, but you don’t have to be. We were vulnerable last night, but I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen again. The guys have agreed to help me patrol tonight, and Crystal will stay with you here. Nothing is going to happen to you.”

  Carly let out a deep breath. “Thank you.”

  “How are you feeling?” Gabe asked. “Physically, I mean.”

  “Okay, I guess, but I could definitely use a shower.”

  “I’ll walk you inside. Your dad will be happy you’re feeling better.” Gabe wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led the way to the house. “And after we eat, I’ll take you out for coffee.”

  Carly had to admit—he was the best distraction she could possibly hope for right now. “I think I’ll have to let you.”

  * * *

  Carly relaxed throughout the day, but her apprehension returned as sunset approached. She was just finishing up a game of Scrabble with Gabe and Crystal when the doorbell rang. Moments later, Howard stepped into the room, followed by Abel, Kyle and Jeremy.

  “Would you boys like something to eat?” Howard asked as he stepped over to the kitchen island. “I’ve got banana bread here, or I could whip up some nachos, or summer sausage and cheese, or—”


  “Yes,” Abel interrupted.

  “Yes to what?”

  “All of the above,” Kyle answered. “I’m starving.”

  “Of course,” Howard replied with a chuckle. “I forgot how much I ate at your age.”

  Jeremy took a seat at the table by his sister, but the other two boys camped out by Howard, waiting for the first sign of food.

  “Who’s winning?” Jeremy questioned, studying Crystal’s letters.

  “Gabe, so far,” Crystal said, shuffling her tiles around. “But only because he just got a triple word score.”

  “Why do you even bother when he kicks your ass every single time?”

  Crystal smacked Jeremy’s shoulder. “I’ll kick your ass.”

  Jeremy let out a laugh. “I’d really like to see you try.”

  “You are such an annoying little brother. Did you know that?”

  “Here we go,” Howard announced as he filled the island countertop with a variety of snacks. “Let me know if you need anything else. I want to make sure you boys have enough energy to make it through the night.”

  Gabe and Jeremy jumped up from the table to join Kyle and Abel in the food frenzy.

  “That’s it?” Carly asked as she looked to Gabe. “Are you just giving up on the game?”

  He winked back at her. “I’m ahead by sixty points, so why don’t we just call it?”

  “No way,” Crystal argued. “If you quit, you lose.”

  “Then who wins?”

  Crystal caught Carly’s gaze. “Tie?”

  “Tie,” Carly agreed. “As long as Gabe loses.”

  “Whatever,” Gabe mumbled. “If that’s the only way either of you can win, fine.”

  “What’s our plan for tonight?” Kyle asked as he smothered a slice of banana bread with butter. He ate half of it in one bite as he looked from Gabe to Howard. “Are we just going to hang out outside or what? Or do we even need to go outside? Do you just want us in here?”

  “We’re going to patrol the yard and surrounding trees,” Gabe instructed. “The goal is to spot a ruskah before it reaches the house. Howard and I will stay closer to the yard, but I’d like the rest of you out in the woods.”

  “Dad, you’re going, too?” Carly questioned. “Are you up for that?”

  Howard locked eyes with his daughter. “Tonight, I am.”

  She understood that in many ways he wasn’t as strong as the others, and she didn’t want to see him get hurt. She’d always known him as just her dad, so the fact that he was going out there to change into his animal form to hunt for ruskahs was a lot to consider.

  “I’m going to be fine, sweetheart,” Howard assured her. “This is the only way I know how to help.” He looked out the window, and added, “The sun’s going down fast, boys. We’d better get outside soon. But make sure you get plenty to eat. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

  All too soon, Howard led the way to the door, the boys following suit. Carly had intended to let Gabe go without protest, but at the last moment, jumped up to run after him. She reached for his fingers just as he stepped outside.

  Gabe’s stunning gaze swept over her as his hand hummed in hers. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Carly.”

  “I know. I just need to know nothing’s going to happen to you.”

  Gabe brought his hand to her face, leaving shivers along her skin as he traced his fingers over her cheek. “I’m not going anywhere.”

  At that moment, Carly could hardly contain her attraction to him. She drew her face close to his and seriously considered kissing his mouth. But she knew it wasn’t the right time for that and brushed her lips over his jaw instead. “Be careful.”

  Gabe’s eyes were closed when she pulled away. He blinked, staring over her face for a moment before he sprinted into the growing dark. Carly couldn’t conceal her defeat as she stepped back into the kitchen. She hated that her father and friends were out there keeping watch because of her.

  “Your dad’s going to be okay,” Crystal spoke as she scooped up Scrabble tiles and put them away. “And so is Gabe. He really cares about you, Carly. He’s going to do everything in his power to find that damned ruskah and end its life.”

  “Do you really think he’ll find it?” Carly asked.

  “Eventually, yes. But tonight? I don’t know.”

  “I know you guys can hear each other, but can you hear the ruskahs?”

  Crystal shook her head. “No, not in the same sense. Supposedly, ruskahs can only be seen by human eyes in moonlight, but shifters have a sixth sense for them. It’s almost like sonar. Even though we can’t hear their thoughts, we can definitely see them and tell if one’s near. Trust me, Carly, if one of those things comes looking for you, Gabe will know about it. He’ll find it, and he won’t show any mercy.”

  That did nothing to calm Carly as she looked out at the dark Minnesota skyline. “And you’d sense one, too? If it came close?”

  “Yes. With the guys out there and me in here, you’re completely safe. We should do something to get your mind off things so maybe you can get some sleep.”

  “But you won’t sleep?”

  “I average about an hour a night,” Crystal said. “Maybe two? I don’t need much more than that. But I won’t fall asleep until after the sun comes up, if that’s your concern.”

  “I’m honestly more concerned about my dad and Gabe,” Carly told her. “Gabe’s so confident he’s not going to get hurt, but…”

  “Carly, as far as Gabe’s concerned, that ruskah coming after you was like… Well, it gave Gabe every justification he’ll ever need to destroy their entire race. He’s going to be fine—I promise you. Worrying about it all night isn’t going to do anyone any good. So again, what would you like to do to kill some time?”

  “Watch a movie, I guess.”

  “Then we’ll watch a movie. Your pick—anything you want.”

  “Anything, really?”

  “I’m guessing you’re going to make me watch something scary,” Crystal sighed, “and I’m fully prepared for that.”

  That got Carly to smile. “Scary it is.”

  eighteen

  Carly barely slept that night, but even when she did, she was in and out of dreams of Gabe and the ruskah and the mysterious crystal skull. She was up and dressed well before dawn, pacing the kitchen floor as Crystal sat at the table nursing a cup of coffee. Carly kept gazing out the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Gabe and her father’s return.

  “They’ll come when they come,” Crystal yawned. “You’re just going to have to be patient.”

  Carly stopped to pour a cup of coffee. “I know, I just… need to make sure they’re okay.”

  “They’re okay. I can sense that Gabe’s tired, but other than that, he’s fine.”

  “Do you think it’s a good sign? That they haven’t found anything?”

  “Yes, Carly, I’d say it’s a very good sign. It means the ruskahs are being careful, but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll stay away for long. I wouldn’t get too comfortable with anything just yet.”

  Carly’s attention was stolen as her father stepped through the back door. She set down her mug and rushed up to throw her arms around his neck. “How’d it go, Dad? Are you okay?”

  Howard nodded as she pulled away. “I’m okay. Exhausted, but okay.”

  “Good, I’m glad to hear that. Where’s Gabe?”

  “He’ll be inside in a few minutes. Don’t distract him too much—he’ll need to get some sleep before he heads off to school this morning.” Howard brought his hand to his mouth as he yawned. “I told him it was okay to stay here while he rests. That is, as long as you’re okay with it.”

  “Yeah, thanks,” Carly said.

  “All right then.” Howard gave her another hug and kissed the top of her head. “We’re going to get you through this, sweetheart. The sun’s up, so I’m going to go catch a few Z’s. Thank you again, Crystal, for staying with her tonight.”

  “No problem,”
Crystal replied.

  Howard nodded, and stepped out of the room.

  Carly hurried over to the window, poring over the trees and rocks and Great Lake outside. Where was Gabe? The sun was up—he should be back already.

  “He’s okay,” Crystal assured her. “He—”

  “Gabe!” Carly cried as she finally caught sight of him. She raced for the door, out onto the deck, down the steps and through the yard until she met him at the edge of the tree line. She threw her arms around his shoulders without a second thought and held onto him as if her very life depended on it.