by Sarah Makela
However, a small part of me whispered that family didn’t abandon one another. Betrayer, my thoughts hissed, but I shoved them aside.
My legs shook as I reached the top step. Derek watched me carefully but didn’t offer his assistance. He probably knew I wouldn’t have accepted it. I wouldn’t let my weakness get the better of me in front of him, a possible threat. “You’ll stay in my spare room. It’s a comfortable space to relax while I care for you.” I followed him down the hallway, each step harder than the last, and he opened the door for me. “Here you are.”
I stayed put and stood up straighter, hoping he’d get the message and go in first, but he didn’t. Right.
A red paisley bedspread adorned a heavy oak bed with an abundance of matching pillows, befitting royalty. The bedroom was as polished and pristine as the living room. How could I possibly be comfortable with bleeding all over it? If this was how he decked out his spare room, I could only imagine what his room looked like.
I glanced back at the doorway, where he remained. Our eyes met for the first time from across the room, even though I knew the risks. “Where do you want me?” I asked, wincing at how intimate that sounded. “Here?” Dizziness swayed me, and my knees buckled. Strong arms wrapped around me before my body could hit the floor.
Derek’s concerned face filled my darkening vision. “Yes, here is fine,” he murmured, laying me down on the soft bed. “Don’t die on me.”
CHAPTER TWO
Carmela
Candlelight bathed the bedroom in a warm glow. Confusion rippled within me. Where was I? I turned to see Derek perched on a stool beside the bed. My heart skipped a beat, and I fisted my hand in the bedspread. His midnight-blue eyes beckoned me closer, urging me to dive into their deep, churning depths. I ripped myself from the connection and focused on the ceiling.
“You’re awake. I was worried.” His accented voice was smooth and husky, like sex on silk sheets.
What kind of hold did he have on my mind? Fear tickled my senses, warning me to resist his draw. He leaned forward, and I noticed he’d buttoned his shirt—except for the top and bottom few—no longer exposing his chest. However, with his satin sleeves rolled up, his muscular forearms stole my attention as he rested them on his knees. The faint memory of being held by them warmed me. “I patched your shoulder and extracted what I could of the bullet. Seems it was silver shot.”
That made sense. America’s government-funded laboratories created wicked toys for the Cazador and used nocturnes as guinea pigs to test their weapons for maximum efficiency. If Derek hadn’t taken care of me, I could’ve died. “Thank you.”
Tears burned in my eyes as I struggled against the pain in order to sit up. My injured arm was bound to my torso in a makeshift cotton sling. Had he done that while I slept? Dread knotted in my stomach, and I brushed my fingertips over my throat to check for bite marks.
Derek chuckled, igniting molten heat within me. It chased up my neck and nestled into my cheeks. “I haven’t bitten you, if that’s what you’re wondering. I merely worked on your shoulder. As I said, I used to be a doctor when I was alive.”
Sighing, I dropped my hand into my lap. Even though he seemed friendly enough, I didn’t want to lower my guard too much. Besides, now that I felt better, I needed to return home and check on my cousin. “Guess I’m off then. Thanks again for helping me.” I scooted toward the edge of the bed. A cool breeze blew across my face, and Derek pressed his hands into the bed on either side of my hips. His face was less than two inches from mine. Sensations warred within me: part of me felt a seductive pull of energy from him, while the wolf bristled at the intimidation.
“I’m sorry, but that wouldn’t be wise. I can’t trust that you wouldn’t alert your people about me. The risk is too great.” His cool breath caressed my lips, adding to the sensual moment.
The scent of peppermint tickled my nose. I grinned in surprise. I knew now wasn’t the time to burst into laughter over minty vampire breath, but it wasn’t every day I witnessed something so...unique.
Derek curled his lip back, showing off pointed fangs, and moved in an inch. “You think what I said is funny?”
Shaking my head, I tried forcing the smile off my face, but I couldn’t. “Your breath. It smells like mint.” The tension between us built, and if I’d wanted to, I could’ve just leaned in and tasted his kisses. Would they be minty or taste like death? My body sank forward, until our lips were a hairsbreadth apart.
Whoa. Where were these thoughts coming from? My wolf growled, but I knew she wasn’t entirely opposed to Derek. She enjoyed the sight of his muscular physique just as much as I did. The wolf demanded a strong mate who could protect our pups. Stop it!
Jerking away, he crossed his arms and stalked toward the window, allowing me a good view of his firm butt.
Embarrassment burned in my cheeks. I couldn’t believe I’d been so close to kissing him. No, no, no... This wasn’t happening. It had to be some kind of Stockholm syndrome caused by him saving me. If I didn’t leave, I might do something stupid.
I crossed my legs, feeling an unfamiliar ache between them. The raw lust I felt for him only made me more confused about what I should do, never mind who I was. Werewolves did not fantasize about vampires. We were mortal enemies.
Anyway, I should’ve gone back sooner to check on Chandra. My parents were probably concerned, and the more time that passed, the less understanding my father would be. Yet I stayed here, letting myself get swept up by Derek. How could I show my face at home? I’d told my parents we wouldn’t be out all night. We gave the show times for the Teatro. Father had actually been lenient for once. Nausea spread in my gut.
Keep it together. You’ve got this.
Focusing on finding a solution helped me feel less overwhelmed. My gaze flicked to the door. If Derek wouldn’t allow me to leave, I needed to come up with a way to escape without his cooperation, despite how painful that might be.
Derek shifted his weight from one leg to the other. Tension still radiated in his posture, and I could tell from the humanlike movements that he was warring with himself. Most vampires stayed perfectly still as long as they were in control of themselves or their environment. That restlessness put me on edge. While wolves were supernaturally quick, vampires were somehow faster. With him so alert, I’d never make it without him catching me, unless I surprised him.
Werewolves could muscle our way through conflict using our teeth and claws as weapons, but vampires possessed magical abilities dependent on their bloodlines. Some of those powers were downright scary. I wondered what Derek was capable of; so far he’d shown no sign of his magic.
Frustration built within me, ready to explode. My wolf grew more and more restless with his domineering behavior. “Are you going to keep me prisoner here forever?”
Derek twisted around to look at me and quirked his lips. “Sounds good to me, love.”
I widened my eyes, not expecting that response. Now he was just teasing me. He couldn’t possible have been serious; but the way he held himself proved differently. Grimacing, I scooted out of bed, reluctant to leave the incredibly soft mattress. “I don’t think so. You won’t hold me here. The Militia trained me to fight your kind. You won’t come out unscathed.”
“Hmm...” He pointedly glanced at my bandaged arm. “Good luck. Your intimidation isn’t working. I’ve been around for centuries—how old are you, pup?” As if to reinforce his smug certainty, he turned back to the window.
Pup. My blood pressure spiked, and my nails sharpened into claws. I hated being called that, but I had to admit, he’d fixed me up without giving into bloodlust and ripping out my throat, which was particularly impressive given our status as enemies.
Some vampires touted werewolf blood as a divine elixir that held an extra kick, making us more scrumptious than humans. Maybe it came from the power werewolves harnessed, the raw wildness that howled through our veins, or the rigid self-control we exercised during the one of three full moons that
occurred within a two-month time span.
Regardless of all that, I needed to keep focused on developing my plan.
“That’s none of your business.” I glanced at the door and took a quiet step toward it. Derek had been right about one thing. He had centuries on me, and I hadn’t been able to properly practice my fighting skills. Given fight or flight, my odds were better with flight. He intimidated me, but despite that, my body ached in ways I’d never experienced before. “What do you care?” Perhaps if I made conversation, he wouldn’t notice me trying to escape. Unlikely, though.
He didn’t answer, just kept his back to me. Anger tugged at me, but I pushed it down. He wasn’t worth the possibility of losing control of my beast. My nails returned to normal, and any sign of the nail polish I’d put on that evening disappeared with the change.
Darting to the door, I came up short at the sight of him glowering down at me. Only the cool breeze I’d felt seconds before proved he hadn’t teleported.
I moved away, taking one step at a time until my legs hit the oak bed. Even if I wanted to change forms, I’d have to get the splint off first. Shifting with it on would be unbearable; I might even further injure myself. “What do you want? What guarantee will you accept that I won’t tell my kind about you?” My tone softened, and I stared at my splint. With the way he moved, I wouldn’t be able to get it off before he was on top of me. Back to the plan, Carmela. Don’t get sidetracked. Talk. “The only reason they want me is for my womb, to bear the next generation of werewolves.” The words fell out of my mouth before I could stop them. “They don’t really care about my safety.”
Grinding my teeth, I lifted my gaze to his face, which had become as hard and neutral as alabaster. That topic stung, and I couldn’t believe I’d opened up to him, a vampire of all beings. But it wasn’t as if he cared.
“That’s an important role.” He leaned against the doorframe, barring the exit but keeping his distance. “Your kind is near extinction.”
I balled my hand into a fist. How could he side with them so easily? My womb belonged to me, and I resented being used as a tool for breeding. “Sure, you try living with the pressure to appease your people when all you want is a life with love and tenderness, instead of an arranged relationship with someone you barely know.” I turned my back on him, unable to believe I’d just spoken my true feelings for the first time. My future saddened me, but I’d never revealed that sentiment to anyone else.
Vampires had it easier. They turned humans through multiple bites. They didn’t have to worry about dying off like werewolves. He had no idea about my ‘important role.’
But pity wasn’t what I wanted from him or anyone else. I would do what was required, but that didn’t mean I had to like it. Suddenly the thought of returning home didn’t feel as enticing as it had moments ago.
“You’d be an Alpha Queen, a sacred title amongst your people, with a mate to protect you and your pups. What more could you want?” On second thought, I could really do without Derek’s pep talk. “That’s prestigious. Surely you weren’t out to get yourself killed by the Cazador for that reason alone?” Humor warmed his voice.
CHAPTER THREE
Derek
“Of course not!” Carmela whirled on me. “I’m not like you. Fancy titles and positions of authority might be what you aspire to, but not me!” A snarl trickled from her throat and her skin rippled as fur spread over her arms before disappearing again. Her beast fought hard to take over.
If I didn’t calm her soon, I’d have one pissed-off werewolf on my hands. I wasn’t afraid of what she might do to me—she was injured. She wouldn’t be able to attack as she wanted, and that meant she’d end up hurting herself more, if not forcing me to end her life. I couldn’t have a werewolf rampaging through my home. It’d draw too much attention. The flow of her anger wound through the room, a sign of her staunch control quickly unraveling.
“You’re wrong. I don’t have delusions of grandeur.” I didn’t dare say more. The High Council would rip me apart over mingling with her kind, let alone telling her about my position among them. However, the apocalypse had changed me. My attendance at meetings had suffered for the first time since becoming part of the upper echelon in Victorian London so many lifetimes ago.
She shook her head but took several deep breaths. “Right.”
However, I couldn’t understand why, if she were in such a privileged position, she wouldn’t want that life? Werewolf society was different from the vampires’. We had centuries to horde wealth, and we weren’t in as much danger of extinction as they were. Besides, she’d have a sacred title amongst her people, and a man who would protect her and the pups she bore him.
It had to be better than being one of the Protectors, women who didn’t have a noble birthright. From what I’d read, Protectors also bore children and helped continue the race, but an Alpha Queen was special.
Maybe pairing up and bearing children didn’t suit her ideals. “What were you doing out so late then?” I ran my gaze down her petite frame. “It isn’t wise to roam the city at night. Your people must know the suspicion the Cazador has for those active after dark. Don’t they?” I remained still, trying not to come across as a threat. That was the last thing she needed right now.
“Of course we do. I was out with my cousin.” Tears welled in her eyes but didn’t spill over. Her hands trembled, and she acted as if the walls were closing in on her. “Just move, okay?” Her voice rasped the words. “You saved my life, and I’d prefer not to hurt you.”
My lips tightened in concern, but I wiped away the emotion. I cocked an eyebrow and looked her over again. If she’d look into my eyes this would all be much easier, but Carmela was too smart for that. “I won’t move, and you’re too injured to fight me.”
“That doesn’t stop me from leaving.” She twisted around, and before I could figure out what she meant, glass shattered as she dove out the window. A solid thump sounded a few seconds later.
Cursing, I ran to the broken window. She picked herself off the ground and glared up at me for a second before running off in a flurry of motion. I squeezed my hands into fists. I knew I should run after her, but that might put me at risk. I needed to trust that she wouldn’t do anything to bring her people or the Cazador to my door.
Not that I had any reason to. We were sworn enemies, after all.
If only my heart agreed.
CHAPTER FOUR
Chandra
I crossed my legs, then smoothed the wrinkles from my skirt as I stared silently at Uncle William’s red, angry face from across the massive oak desk. Aunt Katarina sat in the chair next to me, wringing her thin hands in her lap.
What would he and Katarina say if Carmela was gone for good? My cousin had always been the shining star, even if she didn’t realize it. I worked hard for the attention I received. There were no mates in my immediate future, no prized position amongst my people, and yet she complained about it all.
I wiped a tear from my cheek. Even if I had my issues with Carmela, I didn’t want her dead. She’d been my only friend when I’d come in off the street.
William leaned forward, his thick hands flat on the surface of the desk. His dark brown eyes scanned mine, and he drew in a deep breath as if searching for signs of deceit. “Get on with it. What happened this evening?” His voice reminded me of a drill sergeant from the Militia, pitched barely lower than a shout. A thick vein protruded on his forehead.
I tugged at the hem of my skirt again. “We were at the Teatro.” Sniffling, I met his gaze, knowing it was a thin line between challenge and standing up for myself. Most of the time, I wondered where the chips would fall. “Someone started yelling at the back of the theater during the movie, then bullets started flying and everyone ran. The Cazador knew a group of nocturnes would be there. We escaped out the exit door and split up in hopes of losing the hunters.” I dipped my head, unwilling to tell the whole story. If they knew I’d had reservations during the intermission, I would be
blamed for Carmela’s death. “Several nocturnes were killed. I don’t think they were trying to capture us.” The Cazador had shouted for us to remain in place. As if. Nocturnes, especially lycanthropes, weren’t stupid.
After I made sure I wasn’t being followed, I tracked Carmela and saw the hunter shoot her. If my cousin wasn’t here now, she had to be dead. However, I’d looked for her all over, covering several square blocks. But she’s vanished as if by magic.
Something was off.
Katarina rubbed her hand over my back in soothing strokes, but it did little to settle my confused emotions. “Oh, dear, we’re glad you’re safe. Can I make you a cup of hot chocolate?” she asked, her voice gentle and calming.
I glanced her way and nodded. “Thank you, Auntie.”
Katarina stood up straight, keeping her shoulders back, which only emphasized her thin, frail-looking frame. “Maybe we should send out a search team to find our daughter. She could be—” She stopped herself and sighed. “Forgive me.”
“Just go make your niece some hot chocolate, woman.” Uncle William rose to his feet and circled the desk. He was tall and stocky, making him formidable both as a human and a werewolf. He leaned against the edge and stared over my shoulder as if waiting for my aunt to leave. Once satisfied she was gone, he knelt before me and brushed his knuckles across my cheek in a firm, almost painful, gesture. “If you’re lying,” he said, brushing his lips against my ear, “I’ll make you wish you hadn’t. Do you understand me, girl?” He bit into my earlobe hard enough to hurt but not bleed.
I winced, but a sensual shiver chased down my spine all the same.
After a few moments, soft footsteps signaled Aunt Katarina’s return. William pushed off from the desk, then crossed to the large fireplace, resting his hand on the mantle. His gaze met mine before darting away. He wouldn’t let slip to Katarina what went on between us. If she told anyone, he’d be punished. Granted, he had ways of convincing those under him to obey.
