by Jessica Snow
Theon chuckled instead, flashing his white teeth. "I am a knight...a Knight of the Rose." He glanced at the delicate tattoo on his forearm. "Before we were turned, we were a noble group of men that were sworn to protect the King of Astolat. As his protectors, we would do anything to ensure his safety...even die for him." Shadows crossed Theon’s eyes. Kat was no psychic, but even she knew something dark and awful had taken place that had shaken the handsome vampire to the core.
"Before you were turned?"
Theon’s eyes were clouded with sadness as his gaze turned inward. "I shall never forget those dark times...."
His lips caressed his woman’s throat while his hand rested on her swollen stomach. He could feel the precious life kicking beneath her warm flesh. His unborn child was restless.
"Oh Theon," Eva sighed as her soft lover’s lips found her chin, her hands roving over the strong muscles on his bare back. "You are all that a lady could ask for."
Theon breathed warmly onto Eva’s delicate throat as he murmured, "And you are more than what any man could ask for." The bed let out a soft creak as he pulled back and looked into the face of his love, admiring the plumpness of her cheeks. Eva had never been a small girl, but she hadn’t been big either. When she had fallen with child all that had changed. Now she was twice the size she used to be. That didn’t matter to Theon much. She was bearing his child, hopefully, his son. Besides, Theon liked his woman with a bit more meat on her bones.
He gently stroked her long brown hair that lay spread out across her satin pillow in curly ringlets. "Don’t ever forget that."
Suddenly, a shadow passed over Eva’s face and Theon knew he was not going to like what she said next. "I am all that you hope for, yet you continue to be the king’s lap dog against my wishes?"
Theon let out a frustrated sigh, his eyes straying to the steel broadsword and chain armor that hung on the chamber wall, reflecting the candlelight. "Please not this again, Eva." Theon’s job was something Eva had taken to complaining about after she had gotten pregnant, never mind the fact that it supported them and their unborn child, nor the fact that they lived in the king’s castle, gifted with their own lavish quarters.
Usually, Theon ignored her outbursts, attributing it to the mood swings pregnant women often went through. But lately, it had become difficult to ignore her complaints.
"I can’t help it, Theon. I am with child...and some days I worry for your safety."
Unable to bear looking into his love’s angst-filled eyes, Theon rolled off the bed. He felt the cool touch of stone against his feet as he bent to pick up his embroidered shirt off the floor. "I swore an oath, Eva."
Eva rose to a seated position, her eyes glued to the rippled muscles on her lover’s stomach as he put on his shirt and left it unbuttoned. "I know that Theon, but...surely you can retire once our child is born? You have made a lion’s share of gold coin to support us with already. Besides, you are only twenty-four summers. There are more seasoned knights than yourself that the king can depend upon."
A spark of rage flitted through Theon’s stomach that he quickly quenched. Eva’s dismissive words wounded his pride. Though he was young, he was one of the best Knights at the King’s court, if not the best. Why, without Theon, who was born a natural leader, the king would be hard-pressed to keep the peace in his beloved city of Astolat.
Theon clenched his jaw as a cool breeze wafting in from the opened window sent his shirt billowing out behind him. "I am the best knight the king has seen in years. In fact, I am soon to be elevated to captain of the guard."
Her large breasts heaved within her bodice, and Eva’s round cheeks reddened with anger. "So, is that it then? This stupid position means more to you than your child that I am carrying within my womb?"
"I did not that say that, Eva," Theon grated.
"You did not have to!" Eva snapped. "You refuse to give up this dangerous undertaking that could leave your child fatherless, all because of your stupid pride and your need to please the king!"
Theon could hardly believe how quickly their love-making session had spiraled out of control. Turning, he walked over to the window and looked down into the courtyard. Several squires were stabling horses under the milky light of the full moon. In the distance, Theon thought he heard the howls of wolves. They must have been out hunting in the nearby forest.
"I intend to take my position as captain of the guard, Eva," he said quietly.
The room was plunged in silence. After a while, Theon heard the rustling of covers and the creak of the bed as Eva climbed out of it. He heard the patter of feet shuffle across the floor and then he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Please, Theon, I beg you. When our child is born, give up your duty to the king."
Slowly, Theon turned to face his love. Tears pooled in her dark eyes, but he found himself unable to feel compassion. Her flippant comments had made him angry. He wanted to make Eva feel pain. "You are quick to forget that my ’duty’ is supporting you, Eva. How do you expect for us to take care of this child if I do not work? Why without me, you would still be the queen’s pot maid, sniffing her shit all day as you empty it down the privy hole. You can’t expect me to drop my duties at your whim, especially when you know nothing about what duty means." He paused. "Besides all that, you have no idea what I have given up marrying a scullery maid when I could have been with a woman of noble birth, who would have further elevated my station." Theon immediately regretted the hurtful words as they left his lips.
Theon’s head whipped to the side as Eva’s palm slammed into his cheek. Slowly, Theon turned his gaze back to his love. Eva’s face was twisted into a furious scowl and her eyes blazed with rage.
"How dare you!" she snarled, spittle flying from her lips and landing on his face.
"Eva, I’m sorry—" Theon began. He tried to place a hand on her shoulder.
Eva brushed his hand aside and stabbed a finger at the door. "Get out!"
"But—"
"Get out of here!" she yelled her face as red as a rose.
When Theon did not immediately move, she grabbed the nearest object, which happened to be a large book and slung it at Theon’s face. He ducked and the book slammed into the wall, scattering pages about.
He nimbly dodged several more objects as he made his way to the door.
"I’m sorry, Eva," he said when he was in the doorway.
But Eva was beyond listening, on the floor sobbing into her own hands. Her painful sobs tore at his heart. He badly wanted to go over and comfort her, but he knew Eva would not allow it. Theon had no idea what came over him, making him want to belittle her. Was his pride really worth that much?
He stood there staring at his sobbing bride, his heart breaking.
Eva glanced up from her sobbing, her face streaked with her tears. "Gods curse you!" she wailed. "Get out! Get out! Get out!"
Filled with remorse at what his nasty words had caused, Theon slowly shut the door and began his walk back to his watch post with one thing on his mind. He would give Eva’s concerns serious consideration. If he didn’t, he might lose her.
"What happened next?" As desperate as she was to find her sister and not waste time, Kat found herself engrossed in Theon’s story.
Theon straightened in his seat, focusing his piercing eyes on Kat’s face. "Something that’s better left forgotten...and I apologize for that...moment of weakness. I haven’t told anyone about that dark time in hundreds of years."
Kat still found it hard to believe that someone who looked so young and vital could be that old. "So why tell me?"
Instead of answering, Theon suddenly demanded, "Tell me why you are here."
Kat almost pressed Theon for an answer about what happened, but then remembered what she was there for; McKenzie.
After all, who cared about what atrocities a vampire had gone through centuries ago and was still alive to tell about it? McKenzie needed saving and that was all that mattered.
Taking a deep breath, Kat quickl
y told him about her dilemma, wisely leaving out the affair with Liam. Theon pressed his hands together and listened intently until Kat was done.
Cocking his head to the side, Theon asked, "So let me get this straight, a skinny, bitch wolf, as you put it, kidnapped your sister and threatened to turn her over to the vampires...unless you surrendered to her?"
Kat nodded.
"That sounds very unlikely." Theon’s lips twisted with amusement. "Why would she do that?"
"Because she is a psycho bitch."
He chuckled. "This is a very intriguing story you’ve told me, Katerina, but I must say, it sounds very far-fetched."
"Well it’s the truth," Kat said angrily. "I have no reason to lie."
"I did not say you were lying." Theon took a small sip from his glass. Kat eyed his lips after he set it down. They were blood red. "But I’m sure you’ve already been told that we have a treaty with the wolves. Despite this, we hate each other, and no wolf in their right mind would deliver a human slave to one of us. There are rules in place against this kind of conduct."
Kat rose from the table. "I guess I’ll be going then. It appears you can be of no help to me. It was nice meeting you and hearing some of your story and all, but I have to go look for my sister—"
Theon’s voice cracked over her words. "Sit down."
Kat hesitated a moment before sinking back into her seat.
"I did not say I would not help you. I only said that your story sounded far-fetched."
Kat crossed her arms. "So, you will help me track down this wolf woman and find my sister then?"
Theon nodded. "I’ll do what I can. There is a council that oversees the affairs of all vampires, and they are likely to punish any vampire that is found to be breaking the law. If in fact what you are saying is true, the vampire in question will likely be punished."
Kat felt a small sense of relief flit through her stomach. She did not know if she could trust the vampires, but Theon seemed like a nice enough fellow.
Theon held up a slender finger. "But..."
"But?"
"I must warn you that you are in great danger. In the past, your kind was hated by vampires and werewolves alike and was hunted by both species without mercy. Your existence puts you in a very precarious position and showing up in a vampire den like this does you no favors." Theon leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Were any here to find out what you truly are, they would climb over each other to be the first to slay you. Upon leaving this place, I would advise you to immediately seek shelter and wait for my word while I do some investigating."
There no way in hell that Kat would go into hiding while her sister was out there, probably terrified, suffering at the hands of a jealous wolf and God knows what else, but she wasn’t going to tell Theon that.
Theon was staring at her strangely. "To be honest, you are lucky you are still alive."
Kat held his gaze, wondering if he would suddenly attack her. "Why are you helping me?" It seemed strange that a vampire would be offering his help to a creature he claimed to have despised for nothing in return.
Theon was a long time in responding, his sharp gaze piercing Kat’s soul. "Because you remind me of someone I used to know."
Chapter 22
Kat stepped out on the streets of Bone City feeling hungry as a bear coming out of hibernation. There were a lot fewer cars and people about than there’d been before she set foot in the vampire club. For this, Kat was grateful, but it did not solve her problems: finding McKenzie...and hunger...terrible hunger.
It clenched her stomach like a mailed fist, sending pains shooting up through her chest. Unfortunately for Kat, it appeared that most of the fast food restaurants were closed.
If I don’t find something to eat soon, I won’t have the energy to continue looking for McKenzie.
Though Theon had promised that he would do all he could to help find McKenzie, Kat was leery. Liam had warned her that vampires were cunning and duplicitous, and simply were not to be trusted.
Theon had seemed a nice enough fellow, but it all could have been an act.
"Just my luck," she muttered as she walked past a couple that was holding hands and looking into each other’s eyes. For some reason, looking at the two stupid-happy lovebirds made her think of Liam. Though it had only been a few hours since she last saw him, Kat missed him terribly. She wondered what he was doing that at that moment.
Probably looking for me.
After she and Liam had sex, Kat was supposed to go home and get a few things, then meet back up with him so he could take her to a “special place”. But all that had been ruined when Kat had found out McKenzie had been taken.
Kat was still shocked by it all. Liam should have told her that the girl he was to mate with was deranged and prone to kidnapping innocent teenage girls. But there was one thing that kept nagging Kat. How in the hell did Crystal find out where she lived? And how did she know that Kat had a sister?
The questions would have to wait until she found the bitch...if she ever did.
The full moon peeked out from behind a darkened cloud, illuminating the street with its ghostly glow. Kat shivered. It was cold. She half-wished she could turn into a bear. The fur covering her body would keep her warm.
Kat continued down the street, searching for a cab. She walked several blocks before she spotted one. She walked to the edge of the curb, signaled for it, and flashed a relieved smile. The car came forward and stopped. Kat grinned at the driver, some senile-looking old man. Just as she was about to grab the backseat door handle, the tires let out a loud screech and the car suddenly sped off down the street, cutting a sharp turn at the corner.
"Hey, what the hell?" Kat yelled in surprise, the smell of burnt rubber reaching her nose. "That was totally uncalled for, you cruddy old bastard!"
But the driver was long gone.
"Goddamn it," muttered Kat. "What the hell was his problem? I can’t look that bad, can I?" For a second, she wondered if she had bear fur sprouting out of her face or something, but a quick check of her reflection in a nearby shop window revealed that she looked like her normal self, chubby and irresistible.
Whatever had frightened the driver, Kat had no time to stand around and figure out what it was. The hunger pains shooting through her stomach were almost enough to bring her to her knees. She continued to walk up the street in search of food while keeping an eye out for another cab.
Just as she reached a corner, she was hit by an overpowering, but familiar smell: canines. She paused and looked behind her. There were a group of people walking towards her. Several of them, tall guys with hoodies and tattoos, were looking her way. Kat stared back. There was something strange about their eyes. Kat struggled to connect the smell and the sudden appearance of the men. Then it hit her. They had gold specks in their eyes.
Werewolves.
Her heart pounding in her chest, Kat spun around and quickened her pace. Her feet pounded against the pavement as she ran up the street, frequently glancing behind her. Luckily for her, she came upon a nightlife hot spot with crowds of people still walking around.
She quickly merged with the crowd and slowed her pace, ducking behind a tall couple that was holding hands. For the next five minutes, Kat mirrored the couples’ movement before daring to look behind her.
After a moment of scanning the faces of nearby pedestrians, she let out a sigh of relief and tried to calm her racing heart. The wolves were nowhere in sight. She was safe for now.
"Set her down on the couch," Liam ordered Zack.
After Zack had filled him in on the details of what had happened, the Greyson heir had commanded Crystal’s brother to follow him to his new townhome, which he had purchased with his money he had made working at his parents’ factory.
Located in a secluded section of Bone City, the gated community was surrounded by a sparsely forested area, the perfect spot for when Liam needed to go wolf and hunt.
Carefully, Zack laid the unconscious Carl
y down on the sofa, inspected her for a moment, and then turned around to face Liam. "Her breathing seems much better. I think she’ll be okay here until we get back—"
"I’ll be going out alone." Liam’s golden eyes watched his cousin’s chest rise and fall peacefully. Besides the terrible wound on the side of her head, which was in the process of healing itself, it looked like she would be pull through just fine.
The thought of how close she came to death angered Liam. If he wasn’t about to go looking for Kat, he would have returned to the Greyson manor to deliver a few more punches into his father’s face.
"But you’ll need my help," Zack protested. "Crystal is my sister. She is more likely to listen to me than she would you—"
Liam nodded towards the couch. "Carly needs your help more."
Zack’s eyes flickered on the lithe girl who was now snoring gently. "But—"
"You will stay here and make sure my cousin is taken care of, Zack!" Liam snapped, getting inches from the boy’s face and baring his wolf fangs.
Flecks of gold swirled in the younger boy’s eyes as he glared back at Liam. Liam tensed himself, preparing to have to exert his superiority over the younger alpha male. A moment later, Zack dropped his gaze to the floor and his shoulders slumped in defeat.
Liam felt a tinge of relief. He did not want to have to put the boy in his place.
"You’re making a big mistake, man," Zack muttered. "There are several packs out looking for you."
"I’m well aware of that." Liam made his way to the door.
"If you somehow find where Crystal is hiding, do you really think she will hand over McKenzie?"
Liam paused in the doorway. He had no intention of finding Crystal without first finding Kat, but he saw no reason to tell Zack that. "She will."
Zack scratched his arm, appearing doubtful. "How can you be so sure? When I saw her earlier, she was freaking pissed out of her mind!"
"Because I have something she wants."
"Huh? What’s that?"
