by S. C. Storm
“Are you done?” Ryder asked her.
Alexandra looked at him. “That depends on you two.” She started to say more, but something caught her attention. Immediately, she took a fighting stance.
Jasmyn did the same, seeing shadows behind the vampires. Neither she nor Alexandra had a chance to warn them when two reapers came at the twins.
Alexandra leapt and caught one in the throat before he had a chance to slash his claws across one of the twin’s back. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Jasmyn had taken down the other. Getting to their feet, they stood behind the twins, waiting for the next attack.
Soul Reapers surrounded them. They were the soulless remains of preternatural beings who had crossed from the light of the goddess into darkness. One bite, one scratch would send searing pain throughout the body. Without taking in the blood of an ascended guardian, one would die a slow, agonizing death as their soul was thrust into the darkness along with the very creatures they detested. It was not an end any guardian wanted. Very few guardians died from the bite of soul reapers, but there had been a few. Most were saved in time.
“Perhaps you both need to back away. You do realize they feed on fear.” Ryder growled.
Not taking her eyes off the reapers surrounding them, Alexandra said, “They don’t scare me. We can hold our own. Maybe you two should take off so you can make it to the ascension. We can handle them.”
“Yeah, besides, we just saved your asses,” Jasmyn told them.
“We’ll make it, no worries,” Ryden said as the dark figures closed in tighter around them.
“Thanks for reminding us, wolf,” Ryder said at the same time.
“Anytime,” Jasmyn said as the cloaked figures started moving in.
***
Tempest Island
Kane Riggs sat watching as several vampires debarked from the ferry. In the last week, over twenty new vampires had come to Tempest for the ascension, and he knew more would follow. Word was out that the Athertons were being sought. He didn’t need to be a mind reader to know every vampire he came across was hopeful they would be found and persuaded to finally do what they were supposed to.
“How many does that make now?” Kane asked Jason.
“Close to seventy-five,” Jason told him.
“With more coming.” Kane sighed. “I haven’t seen this many vampires on Tempest in ages. Literally,” he told Jason. “Have you heard from Lexi or Jaz?”
“Not since the other day. Lex thinks she finally located the Athertons,” Jason told him.
“It’s about time.” Kane growled. “Those two have been ditching their responsibilities long enough. Did you talk to Lexi or Jaz?”
“Lex. I was surprised. I thought she’d still be pissed off at me,” Jason said.
“I’m sure she is, but she’s doing her job right now. She won’t let anything interfere with that.”
“Yeah, I’m sure I’ll be in for it when they get back.”
“No doubt. The O’Connor women are known for their tempers.” Kane chuckled.
“Tell me about it,” Jason said. He shook his head, then looked at Kane. “Word going around is there’s some problem between the Athertons and a council member.”
“Yeah, that’s something that’s been going for years, hell, centuries,” Kane said.
“Do you know why?” Jason asked.
“Not really. All I do know is it involved their parents and another council member. Vampires are real close-lipped when it comes to their business.”
“Yeah, I’m beginning to see that,” Jason said as he spotted a young vampire come off the ferry by himself.
Seeing Jason look around, Kane said, “Not all vamps are as young as they look.”
“How did you know what I was thinking?” Jason asked.
“The look on your face when you saw him. Plus, the fact that you looked around as if expecting to see older vamps coming up behind him,” Kane said.
“And also, the fact that you were in my head?” Jason said.
“That too.” Kane grinned.
Jason looked over at his alpha. Kane Riggs was not only the alpha of Tempest Island’s pack, he was the alpha of every werewolf pack in the world. Descended from the first wolves the goddess Selena had created, it was his duty to ensure every werewolf followed the goddess’s teachings—to protect not only their race, but the human population as well. So much depended on him, but Kane took it all in stride. He rarely, if ever, showed the strain it must sometimes place on him. Jason respected the hell out of him for being able to deal with it all.
Kane smiled. “Right back at you, buddy,” he said, lightly punching Jason’s arm.
“There you go again,” Jason told him then and looked toward the ferry as it took off. He knew there would be more arrivals with the afternoon ferry. “So how many more do you think will show up?”
“I’m guessing over a hundred, if that little.” Seeing Jason’s face, Kane laughed. “Not many of them will stay though. Most likely, only the ones who have homes here will. I think most of them just want to see the ascension, then they’ll leave.”
“Well, if the Athertons ever show up, then they’ll get one hell of a show,” Jason mumbled. He watched as a young vampire got on his motorcycle. Curiously, he headed for the front of the resort instead of going through the doors the other tourists usually went through. “I wonder what’s up with that? he said and told Kane what he saw.
“He’s probably from one of the families here. I guess we’ll find out which one soon enough,” Kane said, answering Jason’s unspoken question. “Do you want to head over to Temptations for a beer before we head back to Moonstone?” He didn’t wait for Jason’s answer. He just started walking. Temptations was a bar located on one of the adjoining islands in between Moonstone and Obsidian islands. It catered only to supernaturals.
“Sure. Wait, they’re open already?” Jason asked when he caught up to Kane.
“Yeah. I heard Erin say with all the vamps showing up, Rayne decided to open earlier than she usually does. So are you coming or what?”
“That makes sense, and yeah I’m coming. First round is on you.” Jason grinned.
“Ha! All right, but you’ve got the ones after that,” Kane told him. They jumped on their bikes and headed for Crimson Island where Temptations was located.
***
Unaware that he had been the topic of Kane and Jason’s conversation, Rian Atherton drove his bike around the front of the resort, parked, and got out. He didn’t bother taking his bags off since he wasn’t checking in. Striding into the resort, he walked up to the desk, eyeing the woman sitting there as she helped the humans who had come off the ferry when he did. He looked around, taking note of the changes in the lobby since he had last been there.
“May I help—Rian Atherton! I didn’t expect to see you here,” Millie said, recognizing him. “Come here and give me a hug, boy,” she said, getting up.
Rian grinned and went over to her. “Hey Millie, long time no see.” He picked her up, spinning her. “I’ve missed you. How’s my favorite girl?” He kissed her cheek.
“Favorite girl my hind end. If that were true, I’d see you more often. Now put me down,” Millie scolded him.
Rian set her on her feet.
“What are you doing here, and why didn’t you call and let me know you were coming?”
“I didn’t call because it was a last-minute decision. I’m here for the same reason everyone else is, the ascension,” Rian told her.
Millie looked sharply at him. “So Alexandra and Jasmyn have found those brothers of yours?”
Rian looked at her confused. “What are you talking about?”
Millie explained about Mileena coming to Tempest Islands to hire Alexandra to track down Ryden and Ryder. “You showing up made me think they were on their way with her and her cousin Jasmyn who went with her.”
Rian shook his head. “I don’t know anything about that. I haven’t seen Ryden or Ryder in years. The la
st I heard, they were still keeping a low profile.”
“You boys don’t you keep in touch at all?” Millie scolded him.
“We do when we remember. You know that,” Rian said, giving her a grin.
Shaking her head, Millie walked back around the desk. “You would think that the three of you were strangers instead of brothers. Are you only here for the ascension?”
“That was the plan, until you told me about Ryden and Ryder. If they do show up, then I might stay a while.”
“If Alexandra and Jasmyn find and bring them back, will you ascend?” Millie asked him.
“I’m not sure. I’d have to talk to Ryden about it first. I guess everything depends on them. Why? Do you think I should?”
Millie looked at him. “I know you’re aware of what’s going on with your race, Rian. You may act as if you’re clueless, but I know you. If you’re needed, you’ll do it.”
Rian looked away, thinking about her words, then looked back at her. “Are you so sure about that? My brothers obviously don’t care, or else they would have ascended long ago. So if they don’t, why should I?”
She scoffed. “If you think they don’t, then you’ve been away from them too long. They, like you, put duty first. It’s always been that way with you Athertons. Plus, no one knew for certain if the legends were true. They are though. I’ve seen proof.”
“What proof?” Rian asked.
“Arthur arrived not long before you did, and I will tell you, he does not look well. He needs your brother to ascend or else he will die,” Millie told him, knowing how much the council member meant to him.
“Damn,” Rian mumbled. “Which other council members have shown up?”
“Yuri Orloff and Aric Thorsen are here. Sebastian Myddleton is scheduled to arrive any time.”
“Any others?” Rian all but growled thinking of a certain council member.
“No, he’s not here, and I haven’t heard to expect him. Then again, most show up without letting us know, and stop growling at me, boy,” Millie said.
He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. “I’m sorry, you know how he gets to me.” Rian reached over and kissed her cheek. “I guess I’d better get on up to the house and see what condition it’s in. Plus, I see another ferry has docked, so you’re going to get busy soon. Is Rafe still there, or did he get tired of waiting on us and take off?” He grinned, thinking about the butler who had adopted them as Ryden liked to put it. In truth, Ryden saved him from the end of a sword ages ago. As repayment, Rafael pledged his service to his family for eternity.
“Now you know he wouldn’t ever leave. He has been stalking the ferry, hoping to finally see one of you. He left for Obsidian about an hour before you arrived.” Millie chuckled. “Get on home. Once you’re settled, I suspect you’ll be back down here soon enough.”
“You know me well.” Rian grinned. He went around the desk and hugged her tight. “It’s good to see you again,” he said and kissed her cheek. Letting her go, he turned and went for the door.
Millie watched him go, shaking her head at the reaction he was getting from the human women in the lobby as he strode past them.
Coming up to the desk, Erin stopped and stared. “Hey, who’s that?” Erin asked Millie as she watched the vampire walk out of the resort.
“Rian Atherton,” Millie said and watched Erin’s eyes widen.
“Wow, really?” she said, looking at him again. Over six feet tall, his hair was shoulder-length. She could see the muscles of his upper body rippling through the shirt he wore as he got onto his motorcycle. “Damn, is he one of the ones Lex and Jaz are looking for?”
“No, that’s their younger brother,” Millie said. “Close your mouth, Erin.”
Erin looked at her. “He’s gorgeous.”
Millie shook her head. “Rian looks like his brothers.” She reached over and wiped Erin’s chin. At her confused look, she said, “I’m just wiping the drool off.”
Erin swatted her hand at her playfully. “Stop, I wasn’t drooling, and you can’t blame me. These damn vamps seem to have the market on looks. I have yet to see one come onto the island that isn’t drop-dead gorgeous. Hell, even the females are.”
“I agree with you. It seems like it’s always been that way. So what do you have for me?” she asked.
“Just the run-of-the-mill stuff. I booked a wedding and reception for the humans I met with earlier,” Erin said, going through the list she had with her. As she and Millie went over things, she couldn’t help but wonder if Lex and Jaz were having any luck finding the Athertons.
Chapter 7
Cancún Mexico
As the Reapers moved in, the cloaks shielding their horrifying faces began to drop. The eyes were nothing but black voids, lifeless. From their mouths, fangs twice the size of those of any vampire or werewolf protruded. Their fingers were claws, opening and closing relentlessly, hoping to latch onto something, anything, to devour. Growls of hunger filled the air. The reapers were hungry, hungry for flesh and blood.
Normally, Ryden and Ryder fought back to back. Having the she-wolves with them made things different. For Ryden, it wasn’t as if he thought they couldn’t handle themselves. Being of guardian decent, he was sure they had the training required. We’ll find out soon enough, Ryder said silently. Without warning they were charged from all sides. A hand grabbed onto his shoulders and he whipped around, throwing his fist out. Hearing a howl, he grinned evilly. “Hurts, doesn’t it?” He spun on his heel, kicking out. His foot connected with the reaper’s jaw, or what could be his jaw, and the creature spun from the force of the blow, landing several feet away. Turning, he struck out again.
Seeing the twins easily taking reapers out, Alexandra turned and kicked, her foot catching one in the face. Her arm shot out as she caught him in the stomach. He bent over, and she grabbed his head, snapping his neck. Throwing him aside, she ducked as another came at her. She swept his legs out from under him, jumping up and grabbing hold of him. He reached behind, trying to get his claws into her. She took his arm, breaking it. He went down, and her leg came up, kicking him under the chin. She heard a snap as his neck broke. She was tackled and hit the ground hard. Anger went through her as she rolled. Coming to her knees, she caught a fist to her face and went spinning, falling once again. Growling, she shook her head, feeling the familiar heat inside her body. Her hands dug into the sand. She held back a howl as the pain of her shift ran through her. Her hands started to become claws. She could feel her teeth growing. Shaking her head, she realized her vision was already changing, becoming clearer. Lunging, she took down a reaper, teeth tearing into its throat. Spitting out the putrid flesh, she went after another, her claws ripping, jaws snapping, taking out those near her.
Seeing a reddish-brown wolf where Alexandra had stood, Ryden felt a bit of relief. It was obvious she could hold her own, and in her new form she was a force to be reckoned with. Taking his eye off her, he moved toward Ryder. With the other wolf still in human form, they kept her between them. Years of training, wars, personal battles, and even tussles among themselves had prepared them for moments such as these. Tearing the throat out of the nearest reaper, another realization hit him. This was what they were meant to do, be it here, Tempest, wherever in the world. They were meant to face these soulless monsters and protect all who needed protecting.
Back in the game, brother, Ryder told him silently, seeing Ryden glance to his side before the approaching reaper attacked him.
Jasmyn swept the legs out from under the reaper who was coming at her. She jumped onto his back and reached down, easily breaking his neck, then lunged forward after another. In the dark, it felt as though the onslaught was never ending. The anger building inside her at the attack began to affect her more than she truly wanted on a public beach far from home. She could feel her nails growing, turning into claws. Her teeth began to elongate. Her body pulsed as the animal inside her begged for release. Turning to face yet another foe, she felt pain in her cheek as w
hat passed as a fist caught her in the jaw. That was all it took. The pulsing overtook her as she felt the pain of her own body ripping apart at the seams. As she hit the ground on all fours, her newly heightened senses took in everything. In a rush, she began lunging through reapers, ripping and shredding as she went.
Ryder glanced around, realizing that what was left of the reapers had begun to run. Unwilling to allow any of their enemies to flee, he took off in pursuit of them. Grabbing one near him, he tore the dark figure’s head off without any hesitation. The attack went on. Time seemed to slow as they ripped apart the reapers who were attacking them. As he reached for another, he heard a whimper and a thud. Looking around, he spotted a wolf as she hit a tree. Several reapers went after her just as he saw Ryden use his speed, putting himself between the wolf on the ground and the reapers who assaulted her. Ryder stayed near the other wolf. Her black fur blended with the dark night, yet he could make out her shape. They took out the ones who dared face them, no longer bothering with those retreating.
Alexandra shifted, biting back a groan at the pain running through her body. She pulled herself out of the way as a reaper’s head rolled by her. She knew Jaz and the twins would take care of any that remained. Using a tree branch, she pulled herself up. A pain ran through her leg. “Son of a bitch,” she mumbled, seeing a gash in her thigh. Her legs gave out, and she reached down with her left hand, trying to catch herself, wincing as the sharp edge of a rock cut her. Great, she thought, throwing the rock into the darkness. She lay her head back against the tree, watching as the last of the reapers disappeared. She sat there, trying to get the strength to get up. She knew the remains of the reapers would disintegrate and vanish, leaving no trace.
Jasmyn went over to Alexandra and nudged her with her head, then shifted back. “You’re hurt.”
“Not that bad. How about you?” Alexandra asked her.
“A few scrapes, but I’ll live. Let me help you up.” Jasmyn took hold of her arm, helping Alexandra stand. She looked over at the twins. “They’re good,” Jasmyn said grudgingly.
