Keeping a close watch on Kissa, he moved quickly through the woods until they reached the shoreline. "We can jump from here, swim and scale up the walls without being seen."
Istvan nodded. "Yeah. We'll have to deal with a few standard guards, but hopefully they're not well-armed.”
"Get in, move fast, distraction on the left, absconding with what we came for on the right.” Dave grinned.
"I love your faith," Joséf groaned. "Are you ready, Kissa?” The stern look in her eyes spoke volumes.
"Okay.” He dropped her hand and crouched, letting his mind wander to the image of a large wolf. Changing, he watched Kissa do the same.
Kissa took off, speeding along the coast until she launched herself into the water. He sped after her, every sense on high alert. If things seemed too easy, in his experience it usually meant a trap had been set.
Dave and Istvan had talked about a rendezvous point, after they'd circled back with the missing mates. He hoped their distractions would be enough to buy them time to get out. By the looks of things, the castle housed a small army.
Kissa slowed her paddling and changed back into her human form. Joséf stopped and sniffed the air. Death and the scent of that foul drug floated over his nose, immediately making him sick.
Are you all right, my prince?
His stomach lurched while his insides burned. His skin started to itch. Even in the water, he felt himself grow cold and clammy. He held what little contents of his stomach he could, but ultimately lost that battle. At least the water would keep him clean.
Do you smell that?
Kissa sniffed the air. Yes. What the hell is it, kedvesm? My darling.
Joséf snarled. It's the drug I was hooked on back in the states. The Syndicate must have brought their business operations here, goddamnit. They’re deeper than I had hoped.
Istvan broke in. Easy, boy. We'll get them.
Joséf remained quiet, choosing to take off in the direction of the drugs. He didn't stop until he'd passed Kissa, Istvan and Dave. Once he made it to the edge of the shore, he shook himself off, ran his hands through his hair and moved strands behind his ears.
The cravings…memories made his hands shake.
What's wrong? Kissa came up in wolf form, nuzzling him.
He looked down, didn't say anything. His concentration remained on the drugs. The ache…the burning, the desire could only be handled one way.
A rush of power slammed into his body, knocking him down to the ground. It continued in waves, hitting Istvan, Kissa, and Dave.
The others ducked but still a few took the hit. The weight of the energy crashed into them with enough force to slow them down.
Joséf stood, shook off dust and debris, then crouched low, grateful in part for the attack as it shook him from the bad memories.
Picking herself up, Kissa became human again. "Someone knows we're coming."
"Yeah, I kinda figured that part out.” He snorted.
Kissa stepped in front of Joséf. Tell me where to go. I can shield the blow for you.
Kissa, no! He'd changed into wolf form, forcing the shift despite the urges gnawing at his skin. Hopefully his wolf wouldn’t crave the poison as much as his human side.
Come on, she growled and started walking forward.
Joséf snapped at her leg, gripping it between his teeth. Stay back. This isn't for you.
The ire in her eyes burned through him. He didn't want to get her in any physical danger.
I'm a big girl, a fene egye meg! Damnit!
Yeah, and I'm a bigger boy.
The image of rolling around in the hay with Kissa flooded his mind.
Not now.
Then let me help you.
Joséf hated when she whined. Syndicate thugs wouldn't hesitate to kill her if they found her. Her existence was a definite liability, but she wouldn't back down earlier when he tried to force her.
A queen leads, as does an Alpha.
He couldn't argue with that logic.
You have to stay back. Another wave slammed into his body, knocking him down and taking her with him. She yelped and quickly got to her feet.
Joséf raised his head off the ground. His body ached. He transformed back into his human form. Kissa did the same, shaking dirt from her head.
"What the fuck is slamming into us?"
"It's an energy wave from someone. It feels like a group effort, though. I can handle the blow if it'll get you closer."
Joséf sighed. "I don't need the liability.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he wished he'd never said them.
Kissa's expression went from worry to anger. "I am not a little girl, you faszfej. Fucking asshole.”
Joséf didn't have time for this. His stomach churned and he swore he'd throw up again, though it'd be dry heaves. Doubling over, he fell to his knees and groaned.
Kissa came to his side. "I really hate this.”
He rolled over to his side. Another violent wave slammed into them both but Kissa remained firmly by his side.
She closed her eyes and a shield appeared around them. Her aura, silver and red outlined them both, blunting some of the force from the magic wave.
She spread herself over him.
"How are we supposed to move now?"
"We move into the water and go up the other side," she pointed at the north wall of the castle. "You hold onto my tail and swim with me."
Joséf gritted his teeth. "I don't like this."
"It's the only way, Farkas.
Joséf shifted into a wolf again, bracing himself for the next wave to hit.
It didn't, giving them a break from the pain. Kissa transformed and ran toward the water with Joséf following quickly behind.
We can't keep this up forever!
No, just long enough to get out into the middle of the lake. Grab my tail.
Joséf bit her tail.
She yelped! Hey! Save the love bites for later!
Kissa tugged them both deeper under water, swimming this way and that. After about two minutes, they both came up for a deep breath, and then dove beneath the surface again. Nothing hit them.
The pack followed Kissa's lead. There's a trail off the side of the lake toward the center that acts like a main road.
Joséf nodded. He could smell blood now. The closer they came to the other shore, the stronger the vile scent of the drug grew, along with the stench of tainted vampires and guards. Joséf smelled their fear. Good.
Istvan and Dave had broken off earlier, taking their respective segments with them. They made their way toward the castle, storming the walls hard and fast. Joséf watched soldiers point guns out the window and open fire on his pack. Luckily, many of them were fast and smart.
The surges of power seemed to stop, at least temporarily.
We've hit them hard already, Joe. They're running frightened in the confusion, but there is no sign of the pack mates. Dave's not far out from here causing trouble amongst the few humans who were dumb enough to remain. But we are kind of stuck right now.
Fuck.
Overhead, that wave of energy flew, shimmering brightly in the night sky before it hit the forest and opposite shore.
Where is the energy blast coming from, you guys?
Kissa, we don't know. We're not too happy about it either. Where are you and Joe?
Stuck in the water. Our prince had an adverse reaction to something in the air.
She didn't tell them about his addiction, even after he’d blurted out the truth. Endearing point for her.
The two reached the shore and sprinted down the well-worn trail, dodging brush and low-lying tree limbs. A large, two-story Victorian-style house came into view, surrounded by a white picket fence. The only light in the house came from a room on the second floor. Curtains covered the windows.
Whoever was in charge hid there, waiting.
Joséf couldn't count on the daylight as an advantage. Whatever was in that house contained enormous power. Not quite as frighten
ing as Sapporo's, but the power the creature wielded carried with it a weight that dinged at Joséf.
He stopped. Listen, Kissa.
Kissa stopped beside him, her ears perked up. I don't hear anything.
I don't feel anything, either.
Have the attacks stopped, my prince?
Joséf shook his head. It would seem our attacker is expecting us. Proceed with caution.
Kissa nodded.
Joséf crept along the ground, slowly, sniffing the air for signs of the undead. The pungent odor of the genetically manipulated heroin filled the air and set his nerves on edge. This must be a lab.
Joe, we've found our mates. Istvan's voice rang out with joy. We're going in for the kill. It was just like we figured, armed guards, vampires and chaos. We’re grabbing guns when we can. Do what you have to, and then come back to our meeting spot.
Roger that.
Joséf felt Kissa smile in his head. I've found mine, she giggled.
Snaking along the ground, Joséf looked back at Kissa, growling lightly in annoyance.
Joséf transformed into a human again, wishing he'd at least brought a gun or knife or something.
You're more dangerous in lupine form, my Prince.
Joséf didn't answer. No, he wasn't. He was useless in a form he couldn't fully control right now, especially with the scent of that damnable drug on the air, spiraling cravings for it inside him and reminding him of his addictive personality.
Carefully moving into the clearing, he realized his senses weren't nearly as impaired as he thought they would be.
"You stay here while I go check things out.” He took a step forward and felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned his head around to see Kissa standing before him.
The ire in her eyes glowed around her body. "No. We do this together. You and I. Just lead and I'll follow."
Joséf opened his mouth to object. Kissa put her hands on her hips and tilted her head slightly. "March."
Knowing the battle was lost, Joséf sighed. He didn't have time for this. He sensed their attacker moving toward the house.
"Fine."
7
Only two hundred yards through the thicket and they would be face to face with whatever caused the enormous power blasts. Still fidgeting and itching, Joséf fought the memories of his addiction while focusing on whatever was behind the walls of the house. The sheer force of the blasts indicated just how strong the old one was.
"It's not a wolf," Kissa whispered.
"I know. It's a vampire. A very old and dangerous one, looking for blood. They're probably here after me. I did a number on one of them before I arrived in Hungary."
"If you get hurt, you'll need me."
Joséf sighed. She wasn’t wrong, but… "You can't heal me with sex in the middle of a fight, Kissa. It's just not—"
Kissa's lips sealed over his. Her tongue slid past his lips and into his mouth, exploring. Warmth flooded his nerves, easing the discomfort from his reaction to the drugs. His stamina increased, his muscles pulsed. The silver-red aura appeared around them.
Joséf broke from the kiss, eyes glazed over, vision blurred.
Kissa yanked his mouth to hers. She snaked her hands around his waist, pulling him to her. Breathing in her scent, and the fresh scent of life, healing, he inhaled sharply. Her breasts crushed against his chest.
He closed his eyes, dug his nails into her arm. She cried against the kiss but continued licking and sucking at his mouth. "You're not getting away without taking me with you," she murmured against his mouth.
All of his doubt faded, along with the sanity in his head dissipated at the thought. Yet, he flexed his muscles, felt the increase in strength rushing through him. Every nerve prepared for battle as though he could launch himself into the air and take out his opponent. Vitality, that's the gift she gave him with her youth.
Kissa slowly released him from the second kiss. "See, my prince?"
Glaring, Joséf strode past her. "Come on.” Annoyed by the accuracy of Kissa's point, Joséf changed into a wolf again and began stalking the perimeter of the house. Kissa followed close behind.
A dirt trail led up to concrete steps. We're going in the back way.
Kissa nodded.
Sprinting past the gate, both wolves trotted around to the back of the large brick house. A can dropped beside them, clanging against the storm gutter.
Joséf stopped sharply. Kissa raised her nose, sniffing the air around them. The putrid stench of the heroin-like substance began to make Joséf nauseous.
He stopped, glancing around to see if there were any open doors.
The back door was open. This was too easy. Something was wrong. He hesitated to step foot inside.
Joe, get out of there. Istvan's voice rang loudly in Joséf's head.
Why?
It's an obvious trap. Get out of there. One of these bastards is waiting for you with a ton of explosives. The house is laced. Get out of there now!
Shit.
Frencbe! Kissa muttered.
Joséf heard the familiar click of an explosive charge and turned around to run, shoving Kissa toward the far end of the yard. An explosion sent them tumbling and singing Kissa's tail. She yelped.
A foot connected against Joséf's head, sending him flying into the grass.
My prince!
Joséf transformed and looked around for Kissa. Instead, in the depths of the open doorway, he saw a large, decaying figure, dressed in an all-white suit, complete with a large, flowing cape. Eyes were sunk deep in his skull, teeth were stained yellow and black. Its aura was dark, thick. Wrinkles marked his skin, what little Joséf could see.
The creature’s blackened aura made Joséf feel so sick he wanted to throw up right there. The man smelled of graveyard soil, death, decaying rotted flesh, and that awful drug. Joséf resisted the urge to grab his stomach and double over from the sickening aura. He struggled to breathe through his mouth.
"Finally we meet, Staganov. Come inside, and let us speak together.” The creature disappeared.
Joseph gave a glance around. Kissa had hidden nearby, good. He ran into the house and found himself in a huge, mostly-empty room, the old vampire hovering in a corner. "Who the hell are you?”
The creature's jaw ticked, as if annoyed. If Joséf didn't know better, he'd swear the eye sockets were empty, save the dim light from whatever passed for an iris. "My name is of no concern to you. Just know that I am here to kill you."
“I would say I’m here to kill you, but.” Joséf took a step forward. "You're already dead, you know."
Amusement widened his irises. "Good for you to be so cocky. This will be more enjoyable," he wheezed, "more fun.”
Joséf took a step to one side while praying Kissa stayed outside.
The wind blew hard through the house, raising the hair on Joséf's neck. It grew colder; the sun seemed to stop at just slightly below the horizon.
"Nice parlor trick."
"I like to think so, Staganov. Obviously, you're ready to die. The look on your face resembles boredom."
"Indeed. I am tired of being in this godforsaken country, constantly being challenged. By my own goddamn blood, apparently. And now, you fuckers have followed me here to Hungary? Why are you not satisfied with the reach you have in the U.S.?"
"It is not for me to question. I am only here to kill you."
"Who sent you?” Shutting out all other interference, Joséf remembered the feel of power flowing through him with Kissa’s help. Then he called it forward, letting the energy center in his chest, keeping an eye on his opponent. Hands at his sides, he clenched and unclenched his fingers slowly, itching for the right moment to let loose that power into the vampire’s chest.
"I was sent by those who have concern for this world. You see, it's not fit for mankind."
"Who are you to decide that?"
The vampire's lips curled upward, revealing cracked fangs. "I, Mr. Staganov? I am no one. Simply a pawn in the greater scheme of thin
gs, controlled by beings more powerful than you could fathom."
"So you're not a Syndicate thug?"
The vampire appeared to chuckle. "Such crude language. I am not, as you say, a thug, Mr. Staganov. However, the Syndicate and I have similar goals.” His smile faded, as did the amusement in his eyes. "Your continued meddling in affairs has set them back a great deal."
"Because I killed another pawn.” Joséf shrugged. “Oops.”
The vampire shrugged. "Richard and his daughter were integral, but replaceable. Just ask Sapporo."
Joséf stiffened. "What?"
The creature put his bony hands together in what would be called clapping, if his hands weren't so barren of flesh. "No vampire is truly on one side of the coin or the other. All of us fell from God's grace, once. Some of us wish to reclaim our glory; others see the punishment given as a new reward for questioning things. Remember that."
"You're making no fucking sense.” Joséf clenched his fists. Movement in the hallway behind him alerted him to Kissa's whereabouts. Damn the girl, couldn’t she have stayed outside? "Did you have anything to do with John and Fang?"
"No," and the vampire laughed. "That was all John. Ah, the games he must have played with you.”
"A natural lupine terrorist."
"Exactly."
"Why?"
The vampire coughed, blinked, and looked askance at Joséf. "Are you that stupid an American to really not know what John was up to?"
"Forgive me for not giving a shit when I first arrived. I had bigger issues to deal with."
The vampire sighed, slumping shoulders so that his bones jangled and rattled.
The sound creeped Joséf out. "What purpose would it serve to disband the pack? They were torn before my arrival, and long before that."
"Because the pack has Sapporo's favor. The other Ancients have become aware of her ever-meddling presence, and are concerned. But with backing from a large crime organization, we have no more fear."
He didn’t miss the gender noun used to describe the Ancient, but he filed the information away for later. "So, you plan to usurp Sapporo and deal with a pack that can't get its shit together, because you're afraid?"
"Fear is not something most of us know anymore.”
An Alpha Torn (Nights Of Lust Book 1) Page 13
