Ancient Tides: Division 14: Berkano Vampire Collection

by Weil, J. L.

  I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms over my chest. “We’ll see. I’ve yet to meet a man who could.”

  Zavier arched a brow, and I took it as a challenge.

  I raised one of my own in response.

  There was something unusual about this particular warden, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. And try as I might, my intuition alone wasn’t enough, which meant I was going to have to use magic…later, when Colin wasn’t around. He hated my method of reading someone’s essence. It was a bit intimate, but how else was I to accurately read a person’s true nature, if not by getting a little close?

  My first impression of Zavier when I got past his ridiculously good looks was I didn’t trust him. Not with my life. I had to wonder how he had gained my brother’s trust to be given such a position. It wasn’t an easy feat, being someone my brother depended on.

  Colin’s brows pinched, a common expression whenever he was displeased with me, which was often. “Remember, Zavier, when I told you this wouldn’t be an easy job? Don’t underestimate her, but I trust you to keep her from getting into trouble.”

  A few of the wardens shifted or chuckled. Most of them knew me well. My brother had no idea how close he was to being turned into a flaming toad. “Am I done here?” I snapped.

  Colin’s golden-hued skin crinkled as his eyes narrowed. “Zavier, don’t let her out of your sight. A little piece of advice—sleep with one eye open and a hand on your blade.”

  I wasn’t sure if he was warning Zavier about me or the dangers lurking outside the compound. It didn’t matter.

  Liam stood rigid, his gaze straight ahead, avoiding mine. I scoffed and whipped around, leaving the hall in hurried strides with Zavier on my heels. There was nothing I could do to change my situation. I was stuck with Zavier…for now. Not saying a word, I tried to ignore the dominating force behind me. The warden had a presence about him, and it was getting to me…not in a good way.

  Maybe I was butt sore about Liam no longer being my guard. Losing him meant I was going to have to work harder at gaining my freedom, because without it, I couldn’t seek the revenge I sorely needed.

  After I turned the corner, I spun around to face Zavier. He stopped and glanced down at me with intrigue. I was about to do something I normally would never do with someone I just met. It was a risk exposing my gift, but in this case, it was one I was willing to take. Instinct told me there was more to Zavier than met the eye.

  I stretched up and sealed my lips to his, taking the warden by surprise. He didn’t strike me as someone who startled easily, but he recovered quickly, becoming a willing partner. My palms flattened on his firm chest, his muscles bunching under my fingertips. For the first time, my magic failed me. I could tell a lot about a person through a simple kiss. My power gave me the ability to taste the purity of someone’s soul. Human. Witch. Vampire. Those I could usually distinguish with a glance, but in instances where it wasn’t clear, a kiss could tell me so much more.

  Except with Zavier Cross, apparently.

  I had only meant to press our lips together in a harmless kiss. What I hadn’t expected was to lose myself in the kiss. My plan completely backfired.

  His lips were soft and warm, and a flutter that had no business being there moved through my belly. Never had I felt such elation before. I tilted my head to the side, drawing closer when I should have pushed him away.

  When the kiss ended, I was more confused than ever.

  This was bad.

  Who the hell was Zavier Cross? More importantly, what was he?

  My eyes fluttered open. For a heedless moment, I wanted to lean into him, but I relied on no man. I snapped into focus, abruptly straightening and tipping my chin.

  “Do you kiss all your personal guards like that?” he asked, a mocking smile curling his lips.

  And just like that, the haze from the kiss was replaced with irritation. “No, only the ones with something to hide. I was reading your essence.”

  “You’re a witch.”

  I smiled. “Is that going to be a problem?”

  “Only if you poison me. What did you learn from our kiss?” Amusement rippled from him.

  I angled my head, nibbling on my lower lip. “Other than you’re arrogant? I’m not sure yet.”

  His lips curved. “Do we need to try it again?” he asked, his voice husky as he dipped his head.

  I flattened my hands on his chest. “In your dreams.”

  “Too much for you to handle?”

  I snorted. “Let me guess, you’re used to girls falling at your feet? I bet those brooding eyes and cocky grin get you plenty of pussy. I’m not looking for a fun time. At least, not yet.”

  He didn’t seem fazed by my language. Was the man unshakable? “I can’t help it if I’m exceptional at everything I do.”

  “I’ll be the judge of that.”

  “Is Liam going to be a problem?”

  I paused. “No, why would he?”

  He shrugged. “The rumors are he is more than your shadow.”

  Ugh. The gossip mongrels were even present after a world-altering event. Weren’t there better things to do than worry about what I was doing behind closed doors? “Liam knows I do what is best for the division. He is needed to train the incoming guards. The future of the Bay depends on everyone keeping the treaty in place.”

  “So, you’re an item?” he pushed.

  I raised a brow. “Why the sudden interest in my love life? One kiss and you’re suddenly staking claim?”

  “I don’t want to feel the backlash for removing him from his station. After all, he is my superior.”

  “You can thank my overbearing brother for that. There’s no need to worry about Liam. He isn’t the jealous type.”

  My new warden made an hmphing sound in the back of his throat.

  I didn’t have time for this. There were things I must do, and arguing with Zavier wasn’t one of them. “Let’s get one thing straight. My personal life is none of your fucking business. What I do, who I see, and who I let into my bed at night doesn’t concern you.”

  “Your brother made it clear that everything about you concerns me,” he retorted in a lazy way I found irksome.

  I stepped into his personal space, tipping my chin to meet his eyes. “It would be best if you don’t forget what I am.”

  His eyes swept the length of me. “After that introduction, there is no way I could possibly forget.”

  I let out a growl of aggravation and continued walking down the corridor, knowing he would shadow my every move. Wonderful. “And stop staring at my ass,” I tossed over my shoulder.

  He only chuckled.

  * * *

  After the Rift, those who remained tried to pick up the pieces and put some semblance of normalcy back into the division. My parents had been part of the original group to rebuild, and part of the vision had been the creation of jobs to sustain life. Everyone did his or her part. Colin took care of law and order. My friend Tulip’s mother was into herbs and plants. Other people had jobs that matched their skills.

  I spent my days at my little shop in the market. My evenings were for magic. But I was able to incorporate elements of my gift into the shop. The long days in Frisco Bay could be gruesome on the body. I offered relief in a way that didn’t freak out the humans. Soaps, oils, shampoos, lotions, candles, and other remedies that were made with love and a pinch of magic. What they didn’t know couldn’t hurt them. And besides, I was helping. My handmade products were known throughout the Bay.

  The demand kept me busy. So much so that I had asked Tulip to become my partner. It was more than hiring my best friend. It was smart business. I got most of my herbs from her mother, so when I needed to replenish my stock, Tulip could grab them.

  The work was gratifying, and I enjoyed the bustle of the market. It was the only time during the day I didn’t feel trapped. The shop—Nature’s Elixir—was truly mine, something I’d built from the ground up, and being here relaxed me. I adored the ambience,
a reflection of who I was under the rage and sorrow.

  Cheerful white blossoms curled like garland around an iron trellis outside the window, and when the wind blew in from the north, it carried the scent of the sea with the perfume of wisteria. There were little knickknacks and wooden carved figures customers often traded when coin was tight, as it was most days. Above the door was a starry wind chime that tinkled when someone came in.

  As it did now. It wasn’t a customer, though, just Tulip moseying in for the day. My partner didn’t have the same drive or determination I did, but she had a way with people, an aura that drew them in.

  Curling waves spilled over her milky white shoulders in the reds and golds of autumn. Her sapphire dress sashayed with her movements as a bangle of silver bracelets winked brightly on each wrist. “Whatcha cooking? Smells lovely, like lavender and vanilla.”

  Tulip had a nose for herbs. “It is. An oil to quiet the busy mind—a sleep tonic.”

  She dropped into the seat beside me. “You are definitely going to have to give me a sample for tonight. I don’t think I can take another sleepless night.”

  “You might want to try sleeping alone for once.”

  Her cupid-bow lips curved up. “What fun is that?”

  Tulip changed guys like I changed my bra. Daily. No judgment from me. She was her own woman, and if sampling a variety of men like they were a brunch buffet made her happy, more power to her. “Who was the lucky stud last night?” I stirred the batch of lavender and vanilla soaking in a gleaming copper pot.

  “Toren.” She tapped a finger to her bottom lip, leaning against the wall with a dreamy expression in her violet eyes.

  Toren was one of the wardens who worked for my brother. “Oh, Tulip, do be careful. That one has a gentle heart. He will fall in love with you in a minute, if he hasn’t already.”

  “Yes. I noticed, and it did have me a bit worried, but he was too cute to resist.” She made a breathy gasping sound. Something, or someone, had caught her eye. “Who’s the new tall, handsome stranger darkening your doorway?”

  I stretched my legs, working out the stiffness of sitting in the same spot for too long. “My new warden.”

  “Don’t tell me. Mr. Stick-in-the-mud found about your moonlight circle meetings.”

  “No, at least I don’t think he did. He claimed Liam was too lenient with me, because we were sleeping together.”

  She snorted. “Men.” Her eyes returned to Zavier. He stood at the entrance of the shop, guarding the only way in or out. Tulip’s leg bounced as she bit the side of her lip. “Maybe I should properly introduce myself.”

  “Not necessary.” For some unexplained reason, I didn’t want Tulip fawning all over Zavier.

  She flipped her vibrant red hair. “What the frick, Sky? Don’t tell me you’re sleeping with him, too.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I’m not sleeping with Zavier.”

  “Zavier…” She rolled his name off her tongue as if she were savoring it. “God, even his name is dreamy.”

  I frowned. “He’s a pain in my ass.”

  She leaned back in her chair, eyes roaming over the warden. “And what a fine ass indeed. I don’t see the problem. Why aren’t you sleeping with him?”

  Of course Tulip wouldn’t see a problem with sleeping with two different guys. From the time we were five, she’d been boy crazy. It was a miracle we were ever friends since we were such opposites. “He hasn’t even been my guard for twenty-four hours.”

  “And?”

  “He isn’t Liam.”

  She pulled pretty violet eyes from Zavier, looking at me with a serious expression, one she didn’t wear often. “I thought you broke things off with Liam.”

  “I did. I mean, I will.” I’d been trying to end things for weeks.

  “You haven’t told him? Sky, what are you waiting for? The longer you drag this out, the harder it is going to be. You know he has already developed feelings for you. Why string him along?”

  She was right. I knew it. And I’d had every intention of telling Liam I didn’t think it was a good idea for us to be involved anymore, but the whole thing with the vampire happened, and then he was reassigned. A part of me had hoped whatever there was between us would sort of die off. I was being a wuss. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt Liam, and I didn’t want anything to destroy our friendship. I cared for him, just not the same way he did for me.

  I was foolish to let things progress with him. It had been stupid of me to get involved to begin with, but I had been alone and vulnerable after my father had passed. Liam had been there for me as long as I could remember, and one thing led to another, but too much time had passed, and I couldn’t continue to lean on him as I had. He deserved someone so much better. I didn’t have it in my heart to love someone, not when I was consumed with so much hate and vengeance.

  “You’re right. I will pull up my goddamn big-girl panties and talk to him.”

  “Good. Now let’s get back to that tall drink of water. How can you even get any work done when he’s around?” Tulip grinned.

  I laughed. It was like her to take my mind off everything, but it was only a temporary fix, because by the end of the day, I was reminded of what had been taken from me, and what I must do.

  Chapter 4

  I opened the doors to the terrace, letting in the night and the moon, the scent of the sea and the cool crisp breeze. A shiver danced over my skin. I was avoiding sleep as I did most nights.

  The dreams of the past wouldn’t relent, no matter how much I pitted my will against them. Nowadays, the only way I slept without the dreams of blood and battle was with a potion. The normal aids of crystals no longer worked. It was as if the dreams were trying to send me a forewarning—something wicked was coming our way.

  Damn if I didn’t feel it in my bones, but my brother wouldn’t listen. Hardheaded he was, and it was utterly foolish of him to think the measly truce we had between the witches, vampires, and humans would last forever. There would come a day when we would walk the path of death and pain.

  In the distance, the sea tumbled, the storm from this morning had since past, but in the whistle of the wind, I heard my name.

  Skylar Smoake.

  And with it came the weeping of a woman. She cried for the future, for her children, and for the war that was on the horizon—the sobs of a witch who never got the chance to right a wrong.

  Rubbing my hands up and down my arms, I tried to chase away the chill that had settled within me. The Bay was on the edge of something big, and as I glanced over the foggy treetops and the misty waters, seeing the wreckage left behind from the curse, I wondered if the world would ever be a safe place again.

  On a sigh, I stepped inside and got a jolt seeing Zavier standing in the corner of the room, watching me with those intense eyes. My mind went blank for a moment, as it seemed to when I saw him unexpectedly. I couldn’t look away.

  “Were you spying on me?” I asked, a tad sharply. I didn’t like the way the sight of him messed with my head or made me so edgy.

  His smirk boosted up several degrees. “It’s kind of my job.”

  If he kept looking at me like that, I was going to shove my foot up his ass. “And you take your job seriously, don’t you?”

  One dark brow arched. “Is this you trying to read me again?”

  My lips pursed. This wasn’t going to work. Not. At. All. He was supposed to make me feel safe, not like I wanted to pull my hair out…or worse…kiss him again. His gaze had a hypnotic effect, and if I weren’t a witch, I would have thought he cast a spell over me. “Why? Do you have something to hide?”

  “No more than you.”

  My gaze narrowed. Was he implying I had secrets—that he knew about my late-night rendezvouses? Had Liam told him? He wouldn’t do that to me. I couldn’t believe Liam would rat me out like that, even if he was trying to protect me. But there was no doubting the glint of mischief in Zavier’s silver eyes. Play it cool, Sky. Don’t let him get under your skin.
“I don’t have secrets.”

  He pushed off the wall, and swaggered over to stand in front of me. “Lies don’t become you, minx.”

  My chin went up. “I have a name. And in case you’ve forgotten, it’s not minx.”

  “There are a hundred names I could call you. Proud, fierce, gorgeous, strong, powerful, minx,” he rattled off. “But a liar wouldn’t have been one of them.”

  I hated that he made me feel guilty. What he said was true. I wasn’t a liar, not normally, not to people I loved. Deceitful when it was necessary, but a bald-faced liar wasn’t part of my character. Yet, lately, it seemed the lies came too easily to my tongue. And it hadn’t escaped my ego that he thought I was gorgeous. “What makes you think I’m lying?”

  A keen light reflected in his eyes. “Call it a sick sense. If you are intuitive enough, you can taste a person’s emotions…and yours just went from a sad tasteless blueberry to a sour green apple.”

  I rolled my eyes. “My emotions are not fruits.”

  His lips quipped. “You were in deep thought when I came in. Why the long face? And remember, I’ll know if you’re lying.”

  I frowned as I eyed him. Crap. He saw too much, and it was unnerving. I was going to need to find a way to hide my emotions around him. “How was your first day as my warden? Exciting, I bet.” Yeah, I completely ignored his attempt to get me to open up. I wasn’t in a sharing mood.

  Zavier wandered to the opening of the terrace, dark, intense eyes scanning the sky. His lips twitched. “No one tried to kill you, so I’d say it was pretty tame.”

  “Give me a few more days,” I mumbled. “There’s bound to be an attempt on my life.” His midnight hair tumbled around the sharp angles of his face. He was handsome. There was no denying that. “Do you have family here in Frisco Bay?” I asked, curious to know more about the man who was such a quandary to me.

  Amusement crept across his striking features. “Is this you trying to get to know me? Or you not wanting to talk about yourself?”

  “Both.” I smiled. “See, I didn’t lie.” I found riling him to be delightfully satisfying.