by F. J. Gale
After the third strike she felt an uncomfortable wave of light headedness. Her ability to control the burden of powerful black magic was waning.
As her second knee hit the ground, she heard Luke calling to her.
“Alna, release the magic now!”
“I can hold it!” Forever. Nothing feels like this. Black magic. Ultimate power. Indescribable. Oh yeah, I can feel it, taste it. Power in its absolute. What a rush.
Luke studied her. Her blue eyes were now tinted with black. A few more black streaks were evident in her hair. She was moments away from letting the black magic take control of her.
“Let go!” he persisted.
She didn’t respond. Her hands shook, her eyes grew blacker.
“Mathias is waiting for us. Let’s go. Now, Alna!”
He knew it was a cheap shot to mention Mathias’ name to her given their history, but it was also a surefire way to reach her.
She flinched and lowered her hands heavily. Her legs buckled. Thanks to his vampire reflexes she never hit the ground. He swept her up into his arms and carried her towards the extraction point that had been worked out with Valta.
He eyed the barrier. Silas met his gaze with narrowed eyes that promised retribution. Luke turned away. He watched Silas’ army resume their attack against the barrier now that Alna had withdrawn power.
“That was black magic,” Luke spoke as he hurriedly carried Alna towards the van in the distance.
“Any magic involving doing harm to another is black,” she clarified wearily.
“It’s dangerous.”
“Not when you know how to control it.”
“What about the veins? The black?”
“My use of black magic is not the cause of those. The hair is a different story, of course.”
“Then what?” Luke wondered.
“It’s not your concern.”
Luke saw the tired look in her eyes, a look brought on by years of harboring a painful secret. Whatever it was, she wasn’t willing to reveal it to him. If that was her wish he knew there was no possibility of trying to press her for an answer. Alna was as stubborn as he remembered.
“Just get me to Mathias.”
Luke nodded his understanding. She and Mathias had business to discuss. It was probably why she had agreed to help him out by protecting Legion. It meant Mathias owed her one. And when a witch as powerful as Alna requested the repayment of a favor you did it immediately—refusal or delay was out of the question.
“Legion appreciates your assistance. I know he does too.”
“This war requires alliances to be brokered, sides to be chosen and choices to be made. I’ve made it clear where I stand to both Mathias and Silas,” she responded without any trace of sentiment.
“You’re a hell of an ally.”
“So is The Hunter. You mustn’t discount her importance in this war.”
Luke studied her eyes. They were glowing silver.
“You can barely walk but you can still summon the strength to read my thoughts?”
Alna smiled. “That doesn’t use great physical power. It just requires concentration.”
“She’s a slayer and an enemy to Legion and Eternus.”
“Mathias can see beyond the black and white. It’s what made him such a revered leader. Their partnership brings great power, a power that can be felt by all who deal in magic. The underworld is rife with talk of it.”
Luke heeded her words. “Perhaps you're right.”
“Silas told you tonight to inspire dissent. You must not let that happen. You must be united or Immortalia will prevail. She will not betray you.” Even though his heart will betray him. Oh, Mathias, how tragically predictable.
“What is it?” Luke noticed the look of concern that had spread across her face.
She shook her head. “Nothing. I just need to rest for a while.”
It was clear that Luke wasn’t satisfied with her lie. But he could not know. It would just antagonize the already touchy subject of his leader’s alliance with a slayer.
Before anything more could be said, they reached the van. Luke eased her to her feet and she climbed into the back seat beside Tanya. Just behind them sat Thomas and John. Luke went around to the passenger side.
“Drive like hell,” he told Valta as he took his seat and slammed the door closed.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jenna’s fists drove into the bag powerfully with a controlled, measured pace. After one final punch she gave it up and lowered her hands. She was still recovering from the stab wound in her side so she couldn’t go at the bag full force or full speed. It was beyond frustrating to be forced to hold back. She felt her tank top. Not even moist. She couldn’t even build up a sweat with such a toned down, weak workout. Her frustration quickly evolved to anger as she stared at the bag. Before she knew what she was doing, she slammed her fist at the bag with her full power and speed. Immediately, she cried out as a sharp pain shot through her side. She’d pulled against the stitches. Crap. She stepped back from the bag and lifted her shirt to get a look at it. The stitches were fine. Phew.
“Give it a couple more days,” Mathias’ voice suddenly came from the other side of the room.
She had sensed him a while ago, but she’d wanted to see how long it would take him to speak up. She turned towards the basement stairs. He stood at the bottom with his elbows resting on the banister watching her curiously.
“Finally, he speaks,” she muttered as she took a seat on a bench at the far side of the room.
Other than the bench and the punching bag, there wasn’t much else to the unfinished basement. It wasn't insulated. The walls were exposed brick, the floor rough concrete. It was obvious that it had barely been used by the former owner, Liana.
The basement was in Liana’s former research lab that had doubled as her home before she’d relocated to Mathias’ estate after they’d married. Jenna had felt the change in his demeanor as soon as they’d arrived. Over the last couple of days he had become far more pensive and noticeably withdrawn. She couldn’t imagine what it was like for him to be in the home of his late wife. But Jax had been right when he’d suggested it. They’d had to relocate after Arthur had tracked them to Jax’s place and Liana’s lab was the last place that Silas would expect Mathias to take shelter.
“You sensed me immediately?”
“You gave me your blood. I can sense you from a great distance right now.”
“It’ll pass soon enough, if that makes you feel better.”
She ignored his reassurance. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?”
“I didn’t want to interrupt your work out.” He approached and took a seat beside her. “Jax is still locked away in the lab working on the antidote. Sun’s up.”
“And you can’t sleep.”
“Legion will be here in a few hours. There’s too much going on to sleep.”
Jenna stood up and muttered, “I’m not in a social mood right now.”
“You’re still mad about me feeding you my blood?”
“You forced me. You violated me. You didn’t have my permission.”
“Sorry for the lack of chivalry, but I was preoccupied with saving your life.”
“It wasn’t your decision to make!”
“Then next time I'll let you die!” he shot back, bolting to his feet.
“Make sure you do!” she yelled over her shoulder as she started towards the basement steps.
Before she could even make it to the first step, that familiar rush of ice-cold air enveloped her. His fingers gripped her arm, forcing her to turn around. To her surprise she looked into eyes filled with concern not ire.
“This isn’t about the way I saved your life. It’s the fact that I saved you, period.”
Jenna couldn’t suppress a small chuckle.
“That's amusing to you?”
“I just can’t believe a vampire is about to lecture me on the value of human life. Come on, Mathias, what words of wisdom d
o you have for me?” she snapped.
He let go of her and stepped back. “You want to die?” he asked, incredulous.
The disappointment in his voice struck a nerve and she jerked towards him, not caring about the pain that shot through her as she made the sudden movement.
“This is a curse!” she bellowed, gesturing to herself. “Darkness that never ends. A dead man’s existence. The Sorceress won’t release me; I’ve pleaded with her. The only escape is death.”
“Like I said before, you live the life of a vampire. Except, you can step out into the light without burning to ashes. You have our strength but none of our weaknesses. Sounds more like a gift to me.”
Jenna suddenly felt the heat between them and it unnerved her. She stepped back. “You’re kind, for a vamp,” she said.
Before she could protest he gripped her arms. “I don’t like it when you do that.”
“Do what?” She looked up at his towering figure.
“Keep bringing up the vampire thing incessantly.”
“Why not? It’s who you are.”
He forced her closer. “It’s what I am, not who.”
She met his imploring gaze, “I—”
Her words froze in mid-air as his fingers delved into her thick brown hair that cascaded about her face, disheveled from her workout. She let out an involuntary gasp, but didn’t attempt to stop him.
“You’re not pulling away,” he whispered in her ear.
Her eyes were wide with innocent curiosity as she looked up at him. His hands cupped her face. He leaned in and his lips met hers. His intention to try to be gentle because of her inexperience was thrown to the wayside when she suddenly pulled him against her. Passion consumed them. Their lips met fiercely.
The door flew open. The sharp smack of it against the wall caught them by surprise and instantly they broke apart. Mathias stumbled back and ran his fingers through his hair as he tried to compose himself at the sight of Jax at the top of the stairs. He glanced at Jenna who wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.
“There you are. I think I have the antidote!”
“You think?” Mathias asked.
“Ninety-nine percent certain. We need to test it. Come!” he urged them.
Jenna headed for the stairs with Mathias in tow. Jax ran off into the living room, too excited to remain still. Jenna was slow climbing the stairs. Her side ached with every step she took.
“Jenna,” Mathias called from behind her.
“Yeah?”
Before she knew what was happening, he was lifting her off her feet and carrying her up the stairs. With his vampire speed it all happened within a fraction of a second and she’d had no time to react. He put her down when they reached the landing. “What are you—what was that? I don’t need a protector, okay?”
“Just until you’re healed.”
Before she could continue to argue, he walked past her into the living room. She cursed under her breath and followed after him. Unbelievable. He's so old fashioned!
When they’d first arrived at the secluded country home a couple of nights ago, Jenna had immediately noticed Mathias’ influence on the decor. It was particularly true of the living room. Heavy crimson drapes adorned all the windows shutting out the sunlight. Two black wrap-around leather couches resided in adjacent corners of the room. In the center were matching loungers and armchairs with crimson cushions and coverlets. Aside from the Renaissance artwork that hung on the walls, and a couple of antique cabinets, there wasn’t much else to the room. Simple, but eloquent. Emanating good taste.
Jax stood over one of the coffee tables in the center of the room. The familiar shimmering blue of Liquid Death filled a vial lying on the table. Beside it was another full of a cloudy white liquid.
“Let’s do the test.”
“We need test subjects,” Mathias said.
“We need a human and a vampire. We have both,” Jax countered, gesturing between them.
Mathias was stunned. Had Jax lost his sanity? Did he understand what he was really suggesting? He shook his head vehemently. “Not happening. It’s too dangerous.”
“I know what you’re worried about and I already have that covered,” Jax said, pointing to a crossbow that rested against the armchair beside him.
“Jax—”
“I can stop you, Mathias,” Jenna added.
Mathias rounded on her. “We’re talking about me biting you.”
“I know. We don’t have much of a choice. It’s—”
“Wrong! There is a choice in everything we do.”
“You were married to a human. You were around her twenty-four-seven.”
“I never bit her. Ever!” Mathias bellowed, incensed by the insinuation.
Jenna hesitated about pushing it further.
But she didn’t have to as Jax cut in. “Really?” he asked. “How?”
“What?” Mathias demanded.
“Come on,” Jax said. “That can’t be.”
“What are you trying to say?”
Jax couldn’t believe he was going to have to spell it out. “What about sex?”
Mathias caught his eye. He looked away quickly.
Jax realized immediately what Mathias would not say. He shook his head sadly as he choked out, “You were tamed.”
“It wasn’t like that.”
“If you were bedding her, but your fangs never tasted her then, yes, it was.”
“It was a different time back then. I was different.”
“You were trying to live as human. Don’t you see? Liana only accepted you, because you held the demon buried down deep. You never showed it to her.”
“You’re wrong,” Mathias growled.
“A vampire can’t make love without tasting their lover.”
“You should have just bitten her,” Jenna murmured aloud.
Mathias and Jax turned to her suddenly, surprised at the interruption.
“Excuse me?” Mathias snapped.
Jax shot Jenna a warning glance. Best not to antagonize him further when he’s like this. He has a nasty temper.
But Jenna was not one to be deterred by anyone, temper or not. She had always favored confrontation over keeping quiet. She met Mathias’ irritated gaze, her eyes boring right through his.
“You’re a vampire. There is no true passion for you without blood. You were repressing your natural instincts when you were with her.”
“Jenna, you don’t—”
“Right, I don’t know firsthand. That doesn’t matter. I’m The Hunter, Mathias. I know what bloodlust means to vampires. I’ve used it to my advantage.”
Mathias’ eyes darkened and he stalked towards her. “You think you understand?” he growled.
“Mathias, let’s not do this,” Jax urged.
Mathias signaled Jax to stay back. “This is between me and her.”
He closed the distance between them quickly, gripping her arms and slamming her painfully against the wall. He glowered down at her. He was surprised to see that she wasn’t the least affected by his actions. She maintained a steady gaze as she looked up at him.
“Without complete acceptance there can be no real love,” she whispered.
He was startled by her words and the striking conviction in her voice. She was right. He couldn’t deny it, but he wanted to. He couldn’t move. Her warmth, her scent, her thumping heartbeat captivated every part of him.
Bite me. Bite me. Do it! The words permeated his subconscious and consciousness alike. He forced himself back to reality and watched her lips form the very same words that he could have sworn she’d whispered in his ear.
“Bite me,” she said.
This time it had come through crystal clear. What?
“Just bite me so we can get this experiment over with,” she said, breaking his strong grip on her arms and pushing him away.
He stumbled back and rubbed his eyes vigorously. “Right. Yes. The experiment.”
“Okay, now that you've dealt with�
�whatever that was—we still have work to do. You ready, Mathias?” Jax asked.
Mathias hesitated. Shit, I’m not.
“Mathias, this is science. We’re in a controlled environment. I’m right here. And Jenna isn’t just any slayer. If you lose control she has the power to stop you.”
“You know how dangerous it is. To make the bite and to pull back—it takes huge strength. It’s been too long since I’ve fed from a human, especially a virgin.”
He met Jenna’s gaze and she looked away uncomfortably.
Jax studied the interaction between these two. Something has happened.
“You just need a taste.”
Mathias considered the situation. Just a taste? That made it easier. He’d just make a shallow bite and take a few drops of blood. There wouldn’t be enough time to relish the taste and risk it overpowering his good sense. There wouldn’t be enough time for his instincts to kick in. Would there?
“Jenna?” he asked.
She nodded nervously. “Give me the antidote,” she said as she approached the coffee table.
Jax handed her the vial. “Drink it all.”
While Jenna consumed the liquid, Mathias shook off his leather jacket and draped it across the back of a nearby chair. Wearing just a black ribbed t-shirt, he wasn’t so constricted anymore. Besides, if Jax did end up needing to shoot him with a crossbow bolt, it had to hit deep to cause enough trauma for him to pull back. The hard leather of his jacket could compromise that. He approached the coffee table and picked up the cloudy white vial. He was far more cautious than Jenna. He studied it. He breathed the scent and pulled the vial away abruptly, scrunching his face at its vile odor of manure. And then he chugged it as quickly as possible. It didn’t taste like it smelled. In fact, it tasted a little like vodka. God, it had been too long since he’d last had a drink. Going cold turkey had been fine when things had been crazy. But over the last couple of days it had become harder because of all the downtime as they waited around for Jax to concoct the antidote.
