“Rhett?”
“Hmm?”
“You were right. It didn’t hurt nearly the way I thought it would. And Ben was an ass.”
Chapter 9
Rhett lay quietly, running his fingers through Hope’s hair. She was asleep. From the cracks in the wood Rhett saw the rain splattering as the sky opened up. They were safe enough; the blankets they lay on were musty but dry. Rhett could smell blood. It had been a long time since Hope had a man, then she had given birth and wasn’t touched until him.
He supposed he should get her back to the coven. Caine should check her over. If Ann’s birth had been so bad to leave her barren there could be some damage. Hope seemed okay, she was peaceful. His mind kept returning to the puppy and how her eyes had lit up. Perhaps Tavish could have a word with his Anivamps about one tiny little dog they needed to leave alone. Ann would love it. But he would have to nab it before it went wild. He could only wait another week or so.
Rhett rubbed at his eyes wondering what he was thinking. He couldn’t keep Hope; she needed someone who would be strong for her when Ann passed. She needed someone who could make her want to live. That wasn’t Rhett; he was too hard, too cold and distant. Although this very second, Hope wasn’t distant; she practically lay on top of him.
The sky grumbled and Hope stirred in his arms. Night was settling in, but Rhett imagined Mercy had Galf and Ann tucked in together for the evening. In all honesty, it never occurred to Rhett to make love in a loft to a woman he wasn’t sure he wanted.
Wait, not sure, when the hell did that happen?
“It’s dark out,” Hope mumbled.
“We better get dressed. Ann will be fine.” Rhett knew Ann would be fine, but there was something in the air Rhett sensed.
No sooner were they dressed than three vampires strolled into the small barn. They remained on the ground staring up at Hope and Rhett, eyes glowing yellow. They weren’t from Tavish’s coven. Hope backed away. For a second she had looked tempted to press her body next to his. Her heart hammered so hard from her fear all three vampires turned their attention to her.
“She looks tasty,” one of the vampires said.
“You’ll be looking dead if you touch her,” Rhett retorted.
“He’s from Tavish’s coven,” another vamp said. Rhett knew they would guess the second his eyes blazed white.
One of the vampires leapt for Hope but Rhett was older than any of these rogues. Hope screamed when Rhett shoved his hand into the vampire’s chest, pulled his heart out and squeezed until it burst. The body was dropped off the ledge.
“Anybody else?” Rhett said as he shook out his hand. There was a strict law Rhett lived by—Tavish’s. Vampires loyal to Tavish were not allowed to battle to the death. These weren’t Tavish’s; still they should know better than to try and take what was Rhett’s.
“Your little female seems as afraid of you as she is of us,” one vamp commented.
Rhett cast a glance to Hope’s terrified features. No doubt watching a man have his heart ripped out wasn’t on her bucket list. She was as pale as snow and Rhett could see it was taking everything she had not to sit screaming in a corner.
“Hope, come to me,” Rhett demanded. She had no choice, he compelled her; he didn’t think her feet would move otherwise. They were due for more company and it was best she concentrated on Rhett.
Once she was at his side he tilted her chin to look into her eyes. Her breaths were quick tiny gasps. He went into her thoughts and asked her not to fight him. For a second she battled, but it was hopeless. He clung to her mind while below the screaming started. The vampires weren’t connected to Tavish’s coven and wouldn’t have felt him until last moment. Rhett knew the scene below would be a bloody mess. No one fucked with Tavish’s brothers.
Rhett couldn’t let her see what was going on, it was for her own safety. Tavish was with Caine and Tate. Tate was there for the learning experience, his first kill. Not only would the vampires have had their hearts removed, unpleasantly, they would also lose their heads so no other vampire could see their last thoughts. The sight would be too much for a human.
“You’re going to sleep now,” Rhett said to Hope. “I spoke to the vampires and all three left.”
“You—killed—him.”
“Damn. Hope, you needn’t remember this. Let me help you forget.”
“Will you kill me like that?” she whimpered. He had lost his hold.
Rhett heaved out a heavy sigh, it was no wonder she wouldn’t let it go. It was then Caine came forward. He turned Hope to face him.
“No one will ever kill you like that. I promise. Now let it go, sweetheart. You don’t need that memory. Let it go,” Caine said.
“Where did you come from?” she asked, her tone bewildered.
Hope struggled with the doctor, breaking his mind hold; she looked over the edge of the loft and screamed. She fled to the corner of the loft, her eyes wide and terrified. Caine approached her; he lifted her into his arms. Caine was older and stronger than Rhett and even he struggled for a moment for her compliance.
“You don’t need those memories, Hope. Let them go, you will be safe.”
Finally Hope’s breathing slowed. She calmed. Caine told her to sleep. She needed to sleep because it was night time. Hope crumpled into the doctor’s arms.
“What the hell else did you do to her or compel her do while alone out here?” Caine demanded.
Rhett recovered from his shock. “What do you mean?”
“You take her away from the coven, get her alone and scare the crap out of her? Did you compel her to have sex with you? I can smell her blood,” Caine yelled.
“She was fine before the vampires came. I saved her life,” Rhett yelled back. “It’s always the worst you think. Well, go to hell and give me my female.”
Rhett grabbed Hope from Caine, scowled at the three vampires when he had originally wanted to thank them for coming to help him. It would have been nice to pat Tate on the back for his first kill. Instead, Rhett was furious. Worse, he was hurt. He tried his best to make love to Hope and the first chance she got, she couldn’t trust him. Did she honestly think after that, he’d stick his fists in her guts and yank out her heart? Rhett should have known.
* * * *
Hope woke in a daze. She was in Rhett’s bed but Rhett was gone, so was Ann. It was morning. She must have slept through the breakfast bell. Her mind felt foggy and confused. She was tempted to call for Caine but remembered what Rhett had said. She wasn’t hurt, she was feeling off.
Memories of the day before had her sink lower into the fluffy pillows. Rhett had been so tender and sweet. She loved seeing her ancestors’ world; she imagined being married to Rhett and having ten children. Her life would be busy. The puppy would be a perfect touch. Thinking of touch made her blush to her toes. Rhett had fondled her as though he wanted her.
The vampires had shown up later. They were creepy and Hope had been scared but Rhett had…he had…What had he done? He told them to leave and they did. Hope was sure it had happened that way. They left and she had been scared but safe. The memory was too fuzzy. As though she had been compelled…
Hope decided she didn’t care, she didn’t need that memory. Something must have happened. Today was Sunday as Rhett would call it. Hope climbed out of bed and got dressed into a clean teddy after showering. The shower was an interesting invention and practical. The soap was sweet smelling and made her look like she sparkled. A hairbrush was amazing.
Almost no one was in the hall, except she saw Caine and Rhett arguing. Rhett looked furious. Tate was there and he cleared his throat when he saw her. Tavish motioned her to them. Hope wondered if she was in trouble.
“Did you have a nice outing last night?” Tavish asked.
Hope looked at Rhett who had his lips pressed tight together. “Rhett showed me some amazing things,” she replied.
“Now do you believe me?” Rhett demanded.
“You could have compelled her,” Cai
ne stormed.
“You mean the puppy wasn’t real?” Hope asked.
“Puppy?” Tavish asked.
“Rhett showed me a puppy; he was so cute and warm. He took me to a school and showed me mine and Ann’s names on a black board. I saw a book. Rhett promised to read to me. The homes were so strange to walk through. And pictures of strange beasts with horns on their heads, except they were cute not scary.”
“Unicorns,” Rhett grumbled. He then glared at the other three vampires before taking off.
“Did I do something wrong?” Hope asked. Rhett had been so sweet and now he looked the way he did when he first met her.
All three looked embarrassed. “Why don’t you go get some juice and see if the cooks have something to fill your belly,” Tavish said.
Confused, Hope was propelled towards the kitchen door. It didn’t take her long to polish off some food; she was starving. Maybe it was because of making love. The day had been perfect, except for the vampires. They were spooky. Hope wanted to climb into Rhett’s arms but she sensed he needed her out of the way if he was to defend them. The terror had built until—they—left. Maybe she had fainted. Rhett would know.
Hope found Rhett with Ann. Her child raced into her arms then hugged her with trembling arms. Her face was a little gaunter today than yesterday.
“Did you have anything to eat today?” Hope asked.
“Uh huh,” Ann said.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t there to tuck you in last night.”
“It was my fault,” Rhett snapped.
When he strode past her he didn’t even try to hide his anger. “Rhett?” Hope called after him, but he was gone.
“Is Rhett mad?” Ann asked. Hope set Ann onto her feet and took her hand.
“Maybe he’s tired. You get cranky when you’re tired.”
They strolled to the pool where Ann went to join Galf and her other little friends. Ann was moving slowly today. Maybe that’s what was bothering Rhett. From the corner of her eye, she could see Rhett hadn’t gone far. He was watching Hope though, not Ann. It was Hope’s turn to be angry. She got to her feet and marched over to him.
“So you get what you want yesterday and now you’re back to hating me?” she demanded.
Rhett grabbed her and took to the sky while she squealed in protest. Out into the jungle he took her. Hope was worried when he set them down. She wasn’t supposed to be out here. It was law.
“I came to a decision yesterday,” Rhett said a sneer on his face. “I’m keeping you, and I won’t make the mistake of taking my eyes off you.”
Hope was startled. “What is wrong with you?”
Rhett ran a quick hand through his hair. He began to pace obviously agitated. “You didn’t trust me.”
“The vampires?” Hope asked. “I was trying to stay out of your way. Is that your problem? You think I should have thrown myself into your arms? Well, I would have liked to but I thought you might need your hands free to save us, yes us. I didn’t doubt you would protect me.”
A low growl caught Hope’s attention. She turned slowly and would have screamed if her throat hadn’t constricted. A monster was stalking them. The creature was huge, hairy and ugly; it reminded her of Ursus in a way.
“Rhett?” she squeaked. “Do you need your arms free or is now a good time to jump into them?”
Rhett swore and grabbed her to his chest. “This conversation isn’t finished by a long shot,” he snarled into her ear.
Hope wanted to be angry with him but she wasn’t. Rhett was determined she would betray him but she wouldn’t. He could be mad all he wanted, but Hope liked making love.
“We could have this conversation in your room, on the bed,” she said. “But later. I want to spend time with Ann. She looks tired and she’s probably wondering where we flew off too.”
“You’re a little bitch.”
“And you’re a big grouch.”
Rhett set Hope down near the pool. Ann was sitting quietly, soaking her legs. Hope went to her and gathered her into her arms.
“What’s wrong honey?” Hope asked.
“Galf gave me a cookie. It tastes yucky.”
Hope knew Galf moved almost as quick as other vampires; he was always sneaking off to grab Ann and himself a cookie. Hope saw no harm in it. She was concerned now. Galf knew what cookies were; he would have smelt a bad one. When Hope had first learned the boy took treats for Ann, she was cautious but Rhett assured her even little Galf could smell something of a foul nature and would never give it to Ann.
“Show me the cookie,” Rhett said. His concerned eyes flickered to Hope’s for a second.
Ann held up the cookie. Hope swallowed hard. Rhett took the cookie from her. “Ann?” he quietly asked. “Was the cookie covered in blood when Galf gave it to you?”
Ann shook her head no. “Ann, can you smile for me?” Hope asked.
Ann’s gums were bleeding. Hope tried not to cry out. Rhett scooped her up when Hope took Ann into her arms. They were in Caine’s office in seconds. The doctor took Ann and settled her onto a bed. He looked into her mouth and smiled at the girl.
“Bet that tastes funny,” Caine said. He got her some water. “Here sweetheart, rinse your mouth out.”
Ann did as she was told. Caine lay her down on the bed and felt her forehead. He glanced at Rhett before sitting Hope on the bed beside Ann.
“Where’s Dooder?” Ann asked.
“I’ll get Dooder,” Rhett said.
Both vampires left. Ann coughed and Hope sat her up. When the coughing subsided Ann lay back down and was asleep before Rhett and the doctor returned. Caine placed a thin blanket on the girl. Rhett tucked Dooder in with her.
“She looks so small,” Hope whispered. “The sheet has more color than her. Why Caine? She seemed to be doing so well when she came.”
“A blessing and a curse,” the doctor said. “She was so excited about having friends and seeing so many sights and sounds. She’s worn herself out. But Hope, she had so much fun.”
Hope agreed. She ran a finger down Ann’s warm face. “She’s lived more in the last few days than she ever has.”
“We’ll let her rest for a few days,” Caine said. “If I could just get the infection to go. But any antibiotics I have I’m afraid to try on her. Her immune system is different, as are all humans. No drugs of any kind, no inoculations. I have a few pain killers but even those are sketchy. I wish she were subject to suggestion.”
Rhett gathered Ann into his arms and took her and Hope back to his room. He lay Ann down in his big bed. Hope sat on one side of her Rhett on the other. In her mind, Hope could see Rhett as he sat at night with Acca. He held her hand all night. Like Acca, Ann looked so peaceful not moving. Hope felt a cold chill run up her spine. The icy hand of death.
Chapter 10
Rhett was annoyed. In the week that followed Hope was beside herself with worry. Each night, she clung to him for strength for a few moments, all she allowed herself. She would then straighten her shoulders and put a smile on her face. Rhett’s respect for her was growing. It was hard to be pissed at her when a child they loved brought them so closely together.
Ann spent three days in bed except for when Rhett took her outside to breathe in fresh air, not that the window wasn’t open. Her respiratory infection remained stubborn, she woke with night sweats. Her appetite was at an all-time low. The child never complained. She spoke less, her eyes, normally bright, clouded.
As time went by Rhett grew less angry with Hope. The woman was a rock. The coven had grown very fond of both the woman and child. And damned if Tate wasn’t still trying to convince Rhett to give Hope up. He couldn’t do it. Rhett had convinced himself he needed to keep an eye on Hope. It was a lie and he knew it. Simply taking her out and showing her the past then making love to her once didn’t mean she still hadn’t feared him.
Before Rhett entered his room, he heard the soft weeping. Rhett had come from the play area; Ann was coloring with Galf. Hope had tried to
go back to the kitchen for more water for Ann, but Mercy retrieved the children’s drinks quickly. Tavish had released Hope of all duties until Ann passed. The day before, Caine said it wouldn’t be much longer. Hope had almost crumbled, but she walked stiffly from the office, her head held high.
“Hope?” Rhett asked when he walked in the room. He had been worried when she didn’t return to the play area; she rarely left Ann’s side. Mercy said she would watch the children.
Hope flung herself into his arms. “They should have named me, Damned.”
Rhett ran his hand down her soft hair. He knew this would happen; no one could remain so strong without a breakdown.
“You are not damned,” Rhett said as he soothed her. He tilted her face and using the pads of his thumbs wiped the tears as they fell. “You are surrounded by people who care about you and Ann when you need it most. You’re not living in a world of cold ice and emptiness.”
“I’m losing her.”
He didn’t know what to say. Yes, they were losing her. Ann’s little heart was giving out. For a child with so much love to give, it wasn’t fair. The two stood clinging together as one. Rhett pulled Hope closer; she grasped tightly at him, wrapping her arms around his neck, needing him. His fist buried in her hair as he pressed her warm face to his throat. Despair had a way of wringing you dry in a well of agony.
“I need you to love me,” Hope whispered. “If only for a little while.”
Tenderly Rhett settled Hope onto the bed. Each touch was meant to soothe, meant to make her feel safe and sheltered. Every kiss was sweet to chase away her tears. Their clothes found their way to the floor. When Rhett entered her, she wrapped her legs around him to draw him closer. She was a desperate, drowning woman clinging to her lifeline. Hope was convinced she wanted to die when Ann did, but Rhett didn’t think that was true anymore.
Vampire Coven Book 3: A Vampire's Embrace Page 11
