by S. C. Storm
“Yes, you did. Either that or you started to. Is what she said true? Did you tell her those things, or were you lying to her?” Rian asked him.
Ryden started pacing. He finally stopped and turned to his brothers. “I wasn’t lying. There was something about her that kept me there. I didn’t know what it was. Hell, I still don’t.”
“Then why didn’t you stick around to find out?” Rian asked. Ryden looked away, not answering him. “Ryden?”
“I panicked, okay? Whatever was going on was something I wasn’t sure I wanted, or maybe I wasn’t ready for it. Dammit, I don’t know. All I knew, was from the way she would look at me sometimes, that things had changed for her,” Ryden said, remembering.
Ryder looked at his twin. He could feel his emotions go from anger to hurt, then back again. “What did she tell the kids about you?”
“The truth.” He saw Ryder’s skeptical look. “I thought the same thing. When I asked her about them, she somehow showed me images from the time they were born to now. She even showed me when she told them about me.”
“She could have manipulated that,” Ryder said. Ryden gave him a look. “Hey, she’s a damn powerful witch.”
“I doubt she did. She would know I would ask the children.”
“You said you wanted to know them, but what of Rayne? What are you going to do about her?” Ryder asked.
Ryden looked at him. “Now that I definitely don’t know.”
Ryder got up and grabbed the bottle that was on the bar. He brought it back, sat down, and poured each of them a drink. “Here, I think you need this,” he said, handing a glass to Ryden.
“Yeah, I think I do.” Ryden drank it down in one gulp and poured another. He sat there, his thoughts going from the past to the present.
Rian got up and grabbed a few more bottles. He knew it was going to be a long night for his brother.
***
Bloodstone Island
Zane Prescott lay next to Alexandra. His hands traced the contour of her hip.
“I’m glad you called. This was just what I needed, and it beats the hell out of the run I was going to go on.” She grinned.
Zane smiled. “Yeah so am I, and not just for this. Although, it definitely is a plus.”
“Oh, you mean I’m good for more than just a quickie?” Alexandra asked.
“You know you are, Lex,” Zane said, looking at her. A strand of hair fell over her shoulder, covering her breast. He reached over, moving it back. His eyes roamed over her lush body, then back to her face.
“Why the serious face?” Alexandra asked.
“Not serious, just looking at you.”
“Just looking, huh?” Smiling, Alexandra ran her finger across his lips. She leaned forward and kissed him. “For a minute there I wondered. Are you worrying about the ascension?”
Zane shook his head. “Not worrying. I’m anxious for it to get here.” Alexandra had told him about her and Jasmyn going after them.
“Yeah, are you ready for it?” Alexandra asked him.
Zane nodded. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this.”
Smiling at his words, Alexandra watched him. He was six feet tall with the most beautiful blue-green eyes she’d ever seen. His dark hair was a mess from her fingers, and she liked how it curled slightly against his neck. She let her eyes roam down his muscled chest as her fingertips traced his firm abs. Zane was the oldest of the Prescott siblings. His sister, Autumn, was her cousin Zo’s age, and his brother, Stephen, was the same age as Zo’s sister, Haley. They had grown up together here on the islands, all training together and waiting for their turn to ascend. “You sound like Jason did. He couldn’t wait. It was all he talked about up to the day of his ascension.”
“I know. He and I used to talk about it all the time. He was more than ready,” Zane told her.
“Just like you are,” Alexandra stated. “Does that mean you’re going to be taking off like most of the others did?”
“Yeah. It’s what we’re born to do. What about you? Are you going to keep tracking?” Zane asked her.
“I want to do both.” Zane’s face showed his surprise, and she laughed. “You look as surprised as Jas was.”
“What did he say?”
“He wasn’t happy, but he gets it. I mean, what good is all this training we do if we don’t put it to use?” Alexandra told him.
Sitting up, Zane ran his hands through his hair. “I know. I mean, I’m not crazy about being away from the islands, but this restlessness I feel… I have to do something, or else I’m going to go nuts.”
Alexandra smiled again. “Why didn’t you leave the islands after we graduated high school like everyone else did?”
“For the same reason you didn’t even last a year at college,” Zane said. “I didn’t feel the need to. Dad tried to talk me into traveling with him on business, but I just didn’t want to.”
“And now you can’t wait to go,” Alexandra said.
“Not so much that, as I need to. Something is calling to me, and I have to follow it, see where it leads me.” Zane looked over at her. “Don’t tell me you’re not feeling it too.”
“I don’t know if it’s the same feeling that you have. I just know I have to do something, anything.”
Zane lay down on his side facing her. “Would you stay gone long?”
“Would you?” Alexandra countered.
He shook his head. “I think the answer for both of us is no. This place is more than just home; it’s our life. I think we could leave, but we’d always come back.”
“You’re right. You know me so damn well.”
“We’re friends, Lex. Yeah, we hook up whenever we want to, but first and foremost, we’re friends. Next to Jason, you’re the one I would spend most of my time with,” Zane said.
His words sent Alexandra back to when they were kids. Sure, all of them—her brother and sister, the Hunters, the Prescott’s—hung around with each other, but she remembered how she and Zane would just gravitate toward each other in a crowd. She could always talk to him about anything. Zane reached out for her, and before she realized it, he had flipped her on her back coming over her.
Zane growled. “I think we’ve talked enough.”
“We have. In fact, I think I’m in the mood for a little more exercise.” Alexandra moved against him.
“I think you’re right. I need a damn good workout, so I think you’re going to have to stay all night.” Zane lowered his head, his tongue teasing her nipple. Smiling at the hitch in her breath, Zane’s fangs nipped at her skin. A drop of blood welled up, and his tongue snaked out, licking it off.
“Sounds good to me.” Alexandra drew his head to her, kissing him hard.
Their lips finally parted, and she pulled his head to her neck as his hands ran down her body, sending shivers through her. Zane thrust into her at the same time his fangs sank deep into her skin. Alexandra’s hips raised, driving him deeper. Her fingers ran down his back. She dug her nails into his ass, her cries urging him on. Growling, Zane started moving faster, his hips grinding into her. Alexandra wrapped her long legs around him as Zane lifted his head from her neck. Leaning up, she licked the blood off his lips, taking them with hers. Their frantic movements had the headboard hitting the wall. She raked her nails down his back, her body tightening from the pleasure going through her. Feeling Zane drive deep into her, Alexandra screamed, her climax bursting through. He followed her moaning as he shot into her. His hips moved faster, working them both through their orgasm. Looking up at him, Alexandra kissed his lips, and he rolled to his back taking her with him. Neither of them were finished with the other. They spent the night taking what they needed from one another until they both fell into an exhausted sleep.
***
Moonstone Island
Appearing in front of the house, Deacon Winthrop automatically scanned the area. It was a habit, hardwired into him through the years. If Sir Richard had taught him anything, it was to always be prepared. Stepp
ing up to the door, it was clear the wolf was doing well with her family’s money. He knocked and waited.
Hearing a knock at the front door, Jasmyn hurried to throw on a pair of shorts and a tank. She had fallen asleep in the tub after her workout and was running late. “Just a minute,” she yelled out as she took off down the stairs. She reached the bottom and paused as she caught the scent of a vampire she didn’t know. Curious, she stepped to the door. “Who is it?”
“I’m sorry to bother you, miss. My name is Deacon Winthrop. I need to speak to you about a business matter if you have the time,” Deacon called out. For a moment, he thought about how quickly he could kick in the door and subdue her if need be.
Recognizing the Winthrop name, Jasmyn opened the door. In front of her stood a tall blond vampire. His face was quite handsome but stern. The smile on his lips did not meet his eyes. He struck her as menacing. Reminding herself of her other job, she smiled in return. “You need a tracker?” she asked.
“Actually, I need to ask you a few questions, if you have time,” he told her, glancing around.
“Sure, come on in.” Moving out of his way, she made her way toward the dining room. “Have a seat,” she offered as she stayed on her feet. “Would you like something to drink?”
“No thank you, miss. I’m fine,” Deacon answered as he watched her. The way she moved told him much of what he needed to know. She was a warrior. It was clear. She was strategic as well. She remained on her feet as she offered him a chair, which gave her the advantage if he were to attack her. Unfortunately, she didn’t know him very well. Being a guardian made her stronger than a normal wolf, but that didn’t worry him. If he chose, he could snap her neck before she could so much as throw a punch. Lucky for her, that was not his intention.
“So what business do you have for me?” Jasmyn asked. Her hands rested on the back of a chair toward the far side of the table.
“My father, as you may know, is Sir Richard Winthrop. He is one of the highest seated members of the vampire council,” he began.
She nodded. She knew who his father was. Who didn’t?
“He asked me to stop by here and ask you a couple of questions.”
“All right, shoot.” Her eyes met his own. They were quite dark, almost scary. This fanger was clearly a killer.
“The first thing the council needs to know is, who contacted you about finding the Atherton twins?” he asked.
Not expecting his question, Jasmyn thought quickly while trying to keep him out of her mind. They came to her instead of Lex. Maybe that meant they had no idea about her. “Honestly, I have no idea. I was mailed a folder and an envelope of cash with the instructions. It was a ton of money with the promise of more if I had them to the islands before the ascension.”
“There was no name at all?” he asked as he probed her mind. He felt her blocking him and pushed harder.
Feeling the prickling sensation in her head, Jasmyn held tight to her resolve. She would not let this vampire in her head. Nor would she let him think she didn’t know his game. “You can get out of my mind, Mr. Winthrop. I’m telling you all I know.”
“Then why block me?” he asked, pushing even harder.
“Why ask if all you planned on doing was reading my mind?” she countered angrily. The pounding was beginning inside her skull. She knew what could happen if he persisted, but she wasn’t letting him get the better of her.
“What are you hiding, little wolf?” Deacon asked as he slowly got to his feet. He increased the pressure he applied to her mind. Seeing her knees give slightly, he grinned. “I was sent here to find out who went against the direct order of the council, and I will not leave until I do so.”
“A direct order from the council?” Jasmyn asked, gripping the chair for support. “Why would the council want to keep guardians from ascending? Sounds a little fishy to me. Maybe someone should investigate that.”
“Now that is funny.” Deacon laughed. “Investigate the council. Who would do that? The council is as high up as you can go in the vampire community. If they give an order, it is to be followed. One was broken, and you know by whom. Tell me, wolf, or that pretty little head of yours will never be the same.”
The pain was becoming too much for her. Her hands gripped the sides of her head. She couldn’t think. Surely her alphas would feel her pain. No, there’s no way they could, she was blocking the vamps attack on her mind too hard. This bastard was going to leave her brain mush, and there wasn’t a damn thing she could do about it.
“Save yourself this pain and tell me. You know you cannot keep me out much longer. If you do, you will never see that ascension.” Deacon began to move toward her.
Trying to stay on her feet, Jasmyn held tight to the chair. Suddenly, the wood splintered between her fingers. Opening her eyes, she saw her vision had changed. The vampire who made his way toward her was sharper, clearer than he had originally been. Her beast was rearing her head. She was the answer. Without a second thought, she let go of the chair and let the pain take her.
Deacon stepped back as the shapely body before him began to seize. Seeing the flesh tear as her body changed, he immediately knew what had taken place. Her beast had taken over and now raged before him. He looked up and watched her jaws snap, her claws reaching out to grab him. Remnants of her clothes clung to her body. The muscles in her long hind legs bulged as her feet shifted from side to side. He could tell she was on the verge of attacking. “Dammit,” he muttered as he looked at the near-human face. He couldn’t touch her mind while she was in this form. “You win this one, but I will find out who sent you, and they will pay.” He snarled, and he vanished.
Jasmyn fell to the ground, groaning at the agony of her body changing back so quickly. Pulling herself to her feet, she staggered over to the sofa and collapsed. She needed to warn the Athertons, but the pain was too much. She had to let herself heal. Letting the pain take over, she allowed the darkness to take her.
Chapter 13
Bloodstone Island, Winthrop House
Making it home, Deacon slammed his way into the study. “Damn wolf,” he mumbled to himself as he poured a scotch.
“I take it things did not go well?” Tessa asked from her chair in the opposite corner.
Turning quickly, Deacon wondered how he had missed his sister sitting in the room. “No, it did not. Where is Father?”
Getting to her feet, Tessa straightened her dress and made her way over to the small bar. Refilling her wine glass, she shrugged. “All he told me was he had a meeting. He left right after you, brother dear. I assumed he would be checking up on you.”
“I surely hope not. I almost had the wolf until she shifted. She tried to lie, but it was clear she knows who sent her. She attempted to block me too hard,” he yelled at her, then realized what he was doing. “I am sorry, sister. It is not your fault.”
“Truly, Deacon, it does not surprise me that someone would try to find the Athertons. Our race needs a full blood to ascend. You saw dear Arthur. How can you condone our father’s wish for them not take their rightful place? Ryder was your dearest mate,” Tessa demanded as she stepped into her brother’s path, refusing to allow him to pass her.
“Yes, he was my best mate, Tessa, but you know why he is no longer. The things they did to our family are beyond forgivable. How you have done so, I will never understand,” he snarled as he pushed past her.
“I forgave them because I refuse to be blind, my dear Deacon. Yes, Ryden killed our brother, but you know as well as I do Edmund was a traitor to the crown. The dear boy had no choice. You must realize that after all these years,” she practically pleaded.
Anger boiled inside him as he turned and grasped her shoulders hard enough to make her gasp. “No matter what Edmund was, he was my brother first and foremost. You may not see it that way, but then, you have always been the naive one.”
Jerking free from his grasp, Tessa slapped her brother hard enough to stagger him backward. “I am no such thing, Deacon. I
refuse to live in the past. It is not my fault our father has both you and himself locked there for all eternity.”
Staring at her, he couldn’t form an intelligent counter. “To hell with you, Tessa.” He growled as he turned and walked out of the room.
“I’ve been in hell all my life, Deacon. You just haven’t noticed,” she whispered as she watched him go. Making her way back to her chair, she sipped her wine and wondered what her bastard of a father had up his sleeve.
***
Tourmaline Island
Rayne and Destiny were pouring over a spellbook when they both felt someone in pain. They searched until they found the source.
“It’s Jasmyn. Something has happened to her,” Rayne said.
“Go and let me know if you need me,” Destiny told her.
Rayne nodded and quickly vanished. Destiny put the book back, hoping that all was well with Jasmyn.
***
Moonstone Island
Jason was on the verge of heading into his house when he felt Jaz in pain. “What the hell?” he mumbled and headed off at a run toward her house.
Rayne appeared on Jasmyn’s doorstep, and not bothering with knocking, she walked into the house. “Jasmyn?” she called out. From the pain radiating from Jasmyn, she didn’t really expect an answer. Going further into the house, she stopped, seeing Jasmyn lying naked on the couch. She was curled into herself, her face scrunched up from the pain she was in. As Rayne hurried to her side, she conjured a blanket, which appeared in her hand. She used it to cover Jasmyn. Kneeling, Rayne reached out, pulling the hair out of her face. “Jasmyn, can you hear me?” Hearing the front door burst open, she looked up.
“JAZ!” Jason yelled as he raced into the house.
“In here!” Rayne called out.
Jason went into the living room and skid to a stop. Seeing Rayne next to his cousin, he asked, “What happened?”
“I don’t know. All I felt was her pain. When I got here, she was like this,” Rayne said as Jason knelt next to Jasmyn. “Stay here with her. I will be right back.” Not waiting for an answer, she got to her feet and went into the bathroom.
