by S. C. Storm
Jason heard a cabinet open, then water running. He looked down at Jaz. Her face was pale and sweaty. He could sense she had just shifted. He lightly touched her forehead, hearing her let out a moan.
“Here, put this on her forehead.” Rayne handed Jason a wet towel. She watched as he did what she told him.
Jasmyn felt a coolness on her head and let out a moan again. “Stop it!” She weakly pushed at the hand on her head. As awareness came to her, she let out a growl and started fighting.
“Jaz, hey, it’s me Jas,” he said, trying to hold onto her arms. “Jaz, stop!” he said forcefully.
Hearing the command of her alpha, Jasmyn stopped. Blinking several times, she focused on the voice next to her. “Jas?” She looked over his shoulder. “Rayne? What the hell?” She started to sit up and realized the only thing covering her was a blanket. She clutched it and tucked it around her as she sat up, letting out a groan as she did. “Damn, fucking vampire,” she mumbled, holding her head.
“Vampire? What vampire?” Jason asked her. He looked at Rayne. “Was there someone here when you got here?” he asked her.
Rayne shook her head. “No, I only saw Jasmyn when I came in. Although, I can sense someone has been here recently.”
The scent of a vampire penetrated his senses, and he got up to follow it. Coming back to the living room, he looked down at his cousin, sitting there huddled under the blanket. “Who was it, Jaz?” He was all but growling.
“Give her a moment to collect herself,” Rayne told Jason. She sat next to Jasmyn and handed her a glass. “Drink this.”
A faint odor reached her nose. “What is it?” Jasmyn asked, looking in the glass.
“Just a little something to help with your head,” Rayne replied. “Drink.”
Reluctantly Jaz drank it. “Tastes awful,” she said, making a face.
Rayne held back a smile. “That it does, but you will feel better soon. Now, before Jason wears out your rug with his pacing, can you tell us what happened?”
Holding onto her head, Jaz told them. “I held on as long as I could, but the bastard was pushing too hard. It was either change or have my damn brain fried.”
“Son of a bitch! Who in the hell do they think they are, sending someone here like that? Jason growled. “I don’t give a damn who they are. They’re not going to get away with this!”
“Jas, calm down,” Jasmyn told him. The pain in her head wasn’t as bad as it had been. “Yelling isn’t going to do anything but give me a headache, which I don’t need again. The important thing is I don’t think they know about Lex.”
“Jasmyn is right. Anger will not help this situation,” Rayne said.
Jason stopped his pacing and looked at them. “You’re right, yelling won’t help, but I’m going to make damn sure this doesn’t happen again.” He reached out with his mind to Kane. Going back to Jasmyn, he knelt in front of her. “I’m glad they don’t know about Lex, but they do know about you. I’m not going to let anything happen to either one of you.”
“I know you won’t, Jas.” Jasmyn sighed.
Jason was quiet for a minute, then he said, “Kane is on his way.”
“Why?” Jaz sat up.
“Because we have laws here on Tempest that don’t allow things like this,” Jason said. “Like I said, council or not, they can’t just come here and do whatever they want.”
“Shit, well if he’s coming over, I need to get some clothes on,” she said as she started to get up.
“Let me help you.” Rayne went to her side.
“Thanks.” Jasmyn made sure she could stand on her own. “I’ll be okay.” She headed upstairs.
By the time she washed up, dressed, and headed back down, Kane was there. From the looks of it, he and Jas were arguing about something.
Kane looked up, seeing Jasmyn in the doorway. “Hey girlie, how are you feeling?”
“I’m all right now. Just a dull ache in my head, but it’s going away. What did you two decide to do?”
“Some of the vampire council are here on the islands, so we’re going to talk with them about this,” Kane told her.
“And then what? What if they don’t do anything?” Jasmyn asked.
“That’s what we’ve been talking about, or rather, I’ve been talking, and Jason has been arguing,” Kane said.
“What do you mean?” Jasmyn asked.
“What I mean is the chances of them doing anything to this vamp are slim to none. But they’re at least going to hear from us that we’re not going to stand for this type of bullshit happening,” Kane said.
“Wait a damn minute. You’re telling me that bastard almost fried my brain, and nothing may happen to him?” Jasmyn looked at Kane, and Jason and she knew that’s exactly what he was saying. “Are you fucking serious?” She growled.
Rayne spoke up. “Jasmyn, he is the son of a council member. If, indeed, they suspect you are lying, they are within their rights to question you.”
“Question yes, but not probe her mind like that, and they know damn well he had no business coming here without telling me or Kane first,” Jason argued.
“You are correct, but if memory serves, Richard Winthrop has always considered himself above any law, council or otherwise,” Rayne said.
“You know him?” Kane asked her.
“Only by reputation,” Rayne answered.
“Same here.” Kane looked around. Jason was barely keeping his anger in check. He could sense the same in Rayne. His eyes fell on Jasmyn. She seemed to have recovered faster than he expected, and he knew that was due to Rayne. All three were watching him. “Here’s what we’re going to do. Jason and I are going to Arthur, and I’m going to demand that bastard Richard and his son be there. We know nothing can be done to him, but they will know that the crap he pulled today better not happen again.”
“And then what?” Jasmyn asked.
“Then I’m going to keep an eye on that damn vampire who did this to you.” Jason growled.
“We will have someone keep an eye on him.” Jason started to argue, but Kane stopped him with a look. “Not you, and it’s not up for negotiation. The last thing we need is a council member complaining because you’re tailing his precious son.” As Jason mumbled under his breath, Kane hid a smile and then turned to Jasmyn. “Now that that’s settled, I want you to get some rest.”
“I’m fine. My head doesn’t hurt anymore,” Jaz told him.
“Humor your alpha,” Kane said then smiled. “And in case you’re thinking of ignoring that piece of advice, consider it an order.” He grinned. “Now I’ll see you later.” He gave Jasmyn a hug. “Rayne, thanks for helping her.”
“Always,” she said.
Kane slapped Jason on the back. “Come on, Jason. Time to go play with the vampires,” he said, then headed for the door.
“I’ll be right there.” Jason turned to Jaz. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“Yeah, I’m good.” Jasmyn hugged him. “Keep your cool, Jas.”
“I don’t have a damn choice.” He growled, then sighed. “I’ll come check on you later.”
“All right,” Jaz said as he walked out.
***
Obsidian Island, Langford House
Kane watched as who he assumed was Richard Winthrop strolled angrily into the room. Beside him, Jason tensed. Kane knew he would keep his cool.
“What’s the meaning of this? How dare you summon me here, Arthur?” Richard Winthrop said haughtily. He stopped short seeing Aric Thorsen turn from the window. “What is going on here? he demanded, facing Arthur.
“If you would stop blustering, maybe Arthur can explain,” Aric said smoothly. Seeing Richard’s face darken with anger, he smiled.
Arthur shook his head. “Richard, this is Kane Riggs, alpha of the Tempest pack.” Seeing Richard scoff, he added. “He’s the Supreme Alpha of every pack in the world.”
“Am I supposed to be impressed?” Richard sneered.
Ignoring Richard’s outburst, Ar
thur went on. “And this is Jason O’Connor, alpha of the guardians. They have some business to discuss with you and your son, Deacon. Where is he?”
“Deacon has business elsewhere,” Richard snapped. He looked at both the werewolves. “What the hell business could you possibly have with me?” he demanded.
Kane looked at Richard. “It seems your son paid a visit to one of my pack members, a guardian to be exact. I want to know why neither I nor Jason was informed before he did.”
“I don’t have to answer to either of you,” Richard said.
“I beg to differ. If you or any of the council has business with any of our pack, then yes you do,” Kane said.
“My son was on council business, which has not a damn thing to do with your pack.”
Kane looked calmly at the vampire. “And what business would that have been?”
“As I said, it was council business, which is none of your damn business.”
“But it is mine,” Aric said as Richard glared at him. “I don’t recall the council asking Deacon to do anything for them, or did I miss a meeting?”
“If you must know, Deacon was sent to question the tracker who found the Athertons. The council wants the name of the person who hired her,” Richard told them.
“He was told she didn’t know who hired her,” Kane said. “When he didn’t believe her, he tried to read her mind.”
“Perfectly acceptable if someone is lying,” Richard said smugly.
“Not if it starts to incapacitate the one being questioned,” Kane said, showing the first signs of anger. He took a step forward. “And not here on our islands. You know the law here. No one is allowed to try and dig into a person’s head without permission. Your son could have caused serious damage to her mind.”
It took all Richard had not to step back. “If she had just told the truth, he wouldn’t have had to hurt her at all.”
“Jasmyn said she didn’t know. That should have been enough for him.” Jason growled.
“It wasn’t, we know someone from the council hired her to track down the Athertons, and I want to know who it was!” Richard told him.
Kane stepped between Richard and Jason. “I don’t give a damn who hired her. What I do care about is she was hurt! I’m telling you right now, if you, your son, or anyone else comes near her again, you will deal with me. Tempest has its own laws that even the vampire council must follow. I suggest you remember that.”
Richard glared at Kane. “Are you threatening me?”
“If that’s what it takes. Stay away from Jasmyn. This is your only warning.” Kane looked down at Richard, who finally looked away. He turned to Arthur. “Arthur, thank you for seeing me. Aric,” Kane said, giving the vampire a nod. He returned the gesture.
“Anytime, Kane. Jason, it was good to meet you,” Arthur said.
“Same here,” Jason managed to say. He looked at Aric, nodded once, then followed Kane out.
“Damn wolves, who do they think they are coming in here giving me orders?” Richard growled.
“They are her alphas, that’s who,” Aric said.
Richard gave Aric a dark look. “As if I give a damn.”
“You’d better, Richard. When it comes to the pack, Kane Riggs makes sure that anyone who harms one of his wolves pays for it. I’d say Jason O’Connor is the same way, considering Jasmyn is his cousin,” Aric told him. “If I were you, I’d take his warning to heart.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Then you’d better grow eyes in the back of your head,” Aric smirked.
Before Richard could say more, Arthur said, “Why wasn’t I informed that the council was looking into who hired the tracker to find the Athertons?”
“I don’t need to inform you of everything, Arthur,” Richard sneered.
Arthur drew himself up to his full height. Although he still wasn’t fully recovered, being on the islands had revitalized him. He stared Richard down. “I am the head of the council, which means any council business does have to go through me. If the council has questions to put to the wolf, it will be done the right way. Is that understood?”
Richard’s hatred for Arthur was barely contained. “Understood. Now if we’re finished here.” He disappeared before another word could be said.
“He’s going to go after her again,” Aric stated.
Arthur sighed as he sat down. “I know. However, I believe it will not be as easy as he thinks.”
“He needs to be watched, so does that son of his.”
“I agree, but he will be expecting that,” Arthur said.
“True. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of that, and he won’t even realize it.” Aric smiled.
Arthur gave a laugh. “I don’t doubt you will. Do you have any idea when Sebastian will arrive?” he asked, changing the subject.
“I expect him anytime, now that he knows Ryden is here.”
“True, so true,” Arthur said wearily.
Aric couldn’t hide the worry on his face as he looked at Arthur. “You need to rest. I’m going to go. I just wanted you to know I had arrived.”
“Yes, yes, I thank you for that. Go, I know you are eager to get home,” Arthur said, calling for Raymond. As the butler came in, he stood. “I am fine, Aric. Don’t worry so much.”
“All right, my friend. Call if you have need of me.” With that, he bowed to Arthur.
“I will,” Arthur said and watched as Aric vanished. Taking Raymond’s arm, he allowed him to help him to his room.
***
Moonstone Island
Jasmyn turned to Rayne. “Before you ask, I really am fine. Whatever you gave me worked.”
“I knew that. I just wanted to hear you say it.” Rayne smiled.
Jasmyn sat down on the couch, tucking her feet under her. “Do you think they’ll come back again?”
“The Winthrop’s? Perhaps. Which means you need to be careful. What I said was true; Richard Winthrop holds himself above everyone. If he feels you are lying, I do not doubt he will send someone else to try and get the information out of you again.”
“He knew I was lying.” Jasmyn shuddered as she remembered fighting against the vampire trying to read her mind. “It was so damn hard to keep him out. I couldn’t even call for help. My only choice was to shift. Thank the goddess for my beast getting pissed off.”
“Yes, if that hadn’t happened, there is no telling how far he would have gone,” Rayne said with a shake of her head. “It is clear he is dangerous. We must all keep our eyes on him.”
Jasmyn nodded her agreement. “The twins know who sent me and Lexi. No one else was supposed to know,” she said, seeing the look on Rayne’s face. “I seriously doubt you of all people will go telling this to anyone.”
Smiling, Rayne looked away into the distance. “You know me well. I would not let you down in such a way, and I am sure Kane and someone on the council will inform them and Alexandra.”
Watching her friend, Jasmyn knew something wasn’t right. “Are you okay?” she asked, knowing most likely Rayne would say nothing if she were not.
“I have quite a bit on my mind. This is to be the biggest ascension we have had in my time. There is quite a bit of responsibility in that itself. It is also time for us to show the children more about the ceremony, as well as instill additional traditions within them. That itself takes quite a bit out of a mother. Perhaps someday you will understand,” Rayne said, laughing lightly. It was always easy to speak with Jasmyn. The two of them had been friends most of Jasmyn’s young life. Her children, Draven and Gia, both loved Jasmyn as well as her sisters. The memory of Draven’s possessiveness of Jasmyn and her youngest sister Haley could still bring a smile to her face. The possessiveness, however, only enhanced with age. Draven saw both as his. They were his to protect, just as his mother and sister were. It was adorable. Giana loved all three of the sisters as well. Although she and Haley were extremely close friends, Giana had a unique fondness for Jasmyn’s middle sister, Zoey. Zoey, in turn, dote
d on Giana.
Jasmyn spoke up, hoping to pull Rayne out of wherever her thoughts had taken her. “You know all the years this has been going on, I’ve never thought about what you and Destiny have to go through. I do hope you know I will help in any way I can.”
“Oh, I have always known this.” She smiled. For a fleeting moment, she considered confiding in Jasmyn about the children and their father. There was no doubt in her that mind Jasmyn would keep it to herself. Still, the idea of telling people before the children met Ryden and his family seemed wrong. “But the burden is ours to carry, something you know quite a bit about.”
“No shit,” Jasmyn said as she stood. She stepped over to the double doors and looked out at the water. “When do all the festivities begin?”
“Soon. With so many here, I thought perhaps we should extend the celebration. The Gathering will be soon, and I thought an open invitation to celebrate all the new guardians should be extended from the owner of Temptations.” Rayne smiled brightly.
“Oh, so you mean all-out partying on Crimson Island for a few days until we have to get serious?” Jasmyn teased.
“Yes, that’s basically what I mean.” Rayne laughed as Jasmyn joined her. “You will attend?”
“Hey, I never say no to a good party, but I can’t guarantee I will be up for all those crowds night after night.” She grinned.
“Yes, I assumed as much. Imagine, an O’Connor who is not big on attention. Unheard of,” Rayne said, standing. “Still, if you are there as often as possible, I will be happy.”
“Then it’s a promise,” Jasmyn said, stepping over to her. “And thank you again for helping me. I do appreciate it.”
“You are my friend as well as one of my guardians. I will always be there for you,” she told her with a hug. “Now please, come visit us soon. The children will want to see you since you are back home.”
“I will. I promise,” Jasmyn told her. Rayne smiled warmly at her once more, then vanished. The thought of hundreds of supernaturals celebrating together made Jasmyn laugh. She flopped down on her sofa. The headache was gone, but oddly enough, the feel of the fanger still seemed to crawl across her skin.
