Dying Forever (Waking Forever Book 3)

by Heather McVea

  Bryce chewed nervously on the inside of her lower lip. “How bad?”

  Coleen took a deep breath. “There have been three killings on the south side of the city. Until just a few days ago, I hadn’t given them much thought, but considering recent details I’ve received, the three bodies were vampires.”

  Bryce frowned. “Vampires? How?”

  Coleen sighed. “Isn’t it obvious? Your witch and her coven have been hunting.”

  “Who told you this?” Bryce didn’t know that it mattered, but she felt somehow responsible and needed to know.

  Coleen looked down, and without making eye contact with Bryce, turned toward the door. “It doesn’t matter.”

  Bryce’s indifference toward the details vanished with Coleen’s secretiveness, and she walked after the woman. “Then it shouldn’t be an issue for you to tell me.”

  Spinning around to face Bryce, Coleen looked intently at the woman as if sizing her up. “Emma.”

  Bryce’s eyes widened, and she took a step back. “She’s here?”

  Nodding, Coleen shrugged. “I didn’t think you were ready.”

  A spark of vivid green shot across Bryce’s eyes. “That’s not your decision.”

  Coleen rolled her eyes. “And yet I made it.”

  “You know what I’ve been doing. You know how important it is that I - I make things right.” Bryce’s voice verged on a growl, and she struggled not to lunge at the woman across from her.

  “I know you’re on this whole self-discovery, twelve-step thing. I support you. I really do, but Emma - she’s a different matter.” The woman opened the bedroom door. “But since the cat is out of the bag so to speak, why don’t you pay her a visit.” Looking down, Coleen smirked. “I would love to see the look on Ash’s face when you pop up.”

  Bryce’s eyes narrowed. “Is this a game to you, then?”

  After a few seconds, Coleen looked directly at Bryce. “Everything is a game. Just because you’ve lost the stomach for the adult version, doesn’t mean we all have. And I assure you, your witch will be a fierce competitor.”

  Turning her back to Bryce, Coleen took a step toward the door, and then hesitated. Without looking back, she spoke. “I encourage you to find that monster you’ve spent the better part of forty years reining in, and be prepared to take it for a spin.” Without another word, the woman left Bryce standing in stunned silence, her choices growing more difficult by the second.

  ***

  Bryce stood outside a large, two story brick house, a crumpled piece of paper with Emma’s address clutched in her hand. She nervously clicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth, willing herself to press the pewter doorbell. Though nearly a hundred and fifty years had passed since she had seen Emma Atman, the night she viciously attacked and nearly killed the blonde woman was still vivid in Bryce’s memory.

  That night had stood out in a barrage of carnage filled nights because Bryce had also nearly died in the cold, dark mountains of West Virginia. Unbeknownst to Bryce, Emma had a protector. Another vampire named Lewis had been shadowing the woman and had nearly taken Bryce’s head off in her defense.

  She didn’t even know Emma’s name until she and Coleen’s paths had crossed in Vietnam over a hundred years later. Even then, the older vampire had been vague, almost protective of Emma. Bryce recalled she had been more comfortable talking about Lewis, and his whereabouts, then the beautiful blonde’s.

  Now, moments away from coming face-to-face with a woman who was involuntarily turned because of Bryce’s viciousness, the rage and savagery of who she had been came flooding back. Disgust swelled in her chest, as it had so many times over the years. She wished the disgust immediately lessened the desire to hunt, kill, and feed, but her nature would not allow it.

  Bryce knew the desire would never completely leave her; she could hit the ground because of it - a proverbial bottom - and she would simply go right through it. Her throat and blood was burning with hunger as it had the other night with Alison. She had no control over her desires, only responsibility for her actions and attitudes.

  Finally, Bryce pressed the pewter button and a series of chimes came from inside the house. Then the strangest sound made its way to the vampire’s ears. A heartbeat that was fluttering so rapidly, Bryce knew it wasn’t human and certainly not vampire. She lives with a shifter.

  The door opened and the scent of burnt leaves mixed with an earthy musk washed over Bryce. She took a step back. She had not been around a shifter in decades, and this one in particular smelled delicious.

  “Can I help you?” The tall, dark haired woman smiled at Bryce. She was wearing boot cut gray slacks and a burgundy button-up blouse that hugged her lithe frame.

  No longer breathing, Bryce cleared her throat and realized this must be Ash, the woman Coleen casually referenced earlier. “I’m Bryce. Is Emma in, please?”

  Ash looked confused. “Ah, may I ask what this is about?”

  Bryce felt the tips of her incisors extending as the shifter’s heart beat hummed in her ears. “I’m an old acquaintance.”

  The shifter’s nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed. “I see.”

  Bryce’s attention was pulled from the beautiful shifter to a stunning blonde coming into sight behind Ash. Her hair looked like wheat-colored silk, her skin was flawless, and the sapphire blue dress she wore matched her vivid blue eyes.

  Her gaze still fixed on Bryce, Ash spoke to the blonde. “Em, you have a visitor.”

  Emma stopped, her eyes wide with disbelief.

  “Hello, Emma.” Bryce managed to sound casual in spite of the lump in her throat.

  Ash looked at Bryce, and then back at Emma who was clearly shocked. Stepping back from the door, Ash reached for Emma’s hand. “Em? Who is this?”

  Emma shook her head, forcing the words from her mouth. “My murderer.”

  Bryce winced at the word. “It’s true.” She stood perfectly still, uncertain what either woman might do.

  Ash was the first to speak after what seemed an eternity of silence. “Why are you here?”

  “Coleen sent me.” Bryce knew that wasn’t entirely true, but the nuance seemed pointless.

  Ash and Emma looked at each other and then back at Bryce. “That’s who, not why.” Ash stated flatly.

  Bryce couldn’t help but smile at the woman’s candor. “Right. May I come in and explain?”

  Emma finally spoke as she clutched Ash’s hand. “You know she’s a shifter?”

  Bryce nodded. “Yes, and I can control the hunger.”

  Ash looked back and forth between the two women. “Em, maybe we should -”

  A faint smile found its way to Emma’s full lips. “It’s fine, but be cautious.” Her eyes settled on Ash. “You know where we keep the good silver.”

  Ash nodded. “Come in, Bryce.” She stepped to the side and the redhead slowly walked into the house.

  Ash closed the door and Bryce turned to face the two women. “If you would be more comfortable, I would have no issue with you restraining me before we talk.”

  Emma shook her head. “There’s no reason to be rude as long as you - behave.”

  “I assure you I’ll be on my best behavior.” Bryce raised her right hand. “Swear. The last thing I need is another enemy.”

  Emma gestured toward the study to the left of the main entryway. “Let’s have a seat. We were on our way out to a dinner, but we can stand to be fashionably late.”

  Bryce took a seat on a brown leather sofa that sat on the far side of the room. The room’s walls were lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves, and numerous books were stacked and opened on a large mahogany desk that sat opposite the couch. “You clearly do a lot of reading.” Her voice sounded shaky and the uncertainty caught her off guard.

  Emma looked around the room. “What else can someone do with an eternity of days and nights?”

  Ash and Emma leaned against the edge of the large desk. Ash intentionally crossed her arms over her chest, wanting Bryce
to know she did not feel inordinately hospitable.

  Leaning back on the sofa, Bryce crossed her legs. “I’ve only just learned to read, actually.”

  Emma’s eyebrow shot up. “What?”

  Bryce nodded. “It’s true. I was born in 1744 Ireland. The last thing on anyone’s mind was teaching a girl to read, and then once I was turned - well -” The redhead looked down at her hands. “I had other things on my mind.”

  “How long ago did you learn?” Ash asked.

  Bryce looked up at the ceiling, calculating the time in her head. “About ten years ago.”

  Ash huffed. “So you didn’t just learn?”

  Emma put her hand on Ash’s forearm. “Considering she’s two hundred and sixty seven years old - she did just learn.”

  Ash's expression softened. “Sorry. Look, can I get you a drink? We have a really nice Glenlivet 18.”

  Bryce didn’t feel like a drink, but thought she should take advantage of what was clearly a lessening of the tension between the three women. “That would be great. Thanks.”

  Ash looked at Emma to ensure she was okay being left alone with the other vampire. “It’s fine.” The blonde leaned in and quickly kissed the worried woman’s cheek.

  After Ash left the room, Emma walked over and sat next to Bryce. “Ireland? I thought your accent sounded brogue.” She hesitated. The doctor had never been particularly adept at small talk. “Why have you found me?”

  Bryce turned to face the blonde. “Did Coleen never tell you our paths crossed over forty years ago?”

  “Coleen tends to pace herself with those sorts of tidbits.” Emma smiled. “She’s very careful in how she wields her information.” Emma shifted so her arm was along the back of the sofa. “You met her in Vietnam then?”

  Bryce nodded. “Yes. We were hunting some of the same grounds when our paths crossed. After talking we realized we had some things in common.”

  Emma smiled. “Small world.”

  Bryce tapped her index finger nervously on the arm of the sofa. “Are you happy?”

  Emma leaned back, the question clearly taking her by surprise. After a few seconds, the blonde nodded. “I am now. I haven’t always been - but no one is.”

  Bryce frowned. “When you weren’t - may I ask why?”

  Before Emma could respond, Ash came back in the room with two glasses of scotch in her hands. “I brought you a pour too, Em.”

  The two vampires took the glasses from Ash. Emma inhaled deeply before sipping the maple colored liquid. “Ash, maybe you should go on without me? Alfred won’t miss me, but if his partner doesn’t show up for his retirement dinner, he may never get over it.”

  “I don’t want to leave you and -” Ash stopped. She looked at Emma and then back at Bryce. “I’ll have my phone if you need anything.”

  Emma got up and, setting her glass on the end table, followed Ash toward the front door. “I’ll walk you out.”

  “Are you crazy?” Ash whispered once the two women were standing on the front porch.

  Emma cupped Ash’s cheek with her hand. “Sweetie, she can hear you anyway, so just speak normally.”

  Ash blushed and took Emma’s hand in hers. “Well, shit, Em, this is coming out of nowhere.” Shaking her head, she pulled Emma into her arms. “If she does anything - I swear.”

  Emma leaned back and brushed a stray strand of Ash’s hair off her forehead. “We’re a little more evenly matched than when we first met.” She kissed Ash, enjoying the warmth and smoothness of the woman’s lips. “I’ll be fine.”

  “The entire thing reeks of suspicious.” Ash stepped back, her arms still wrapped around Emma’s waist. “Anytime Coleen’s involved, it can’t be on the up-and-up.”

  “Odds are good you’re right.” A worried expression moved across Emma’s face. “This and the dead vampires -”

  “And what about that?” Ash couldn’t help but whisper. “I don’t believe Coleen was clueless until you called her.”

  “Again, odds are good you’re right, but I’m not precognitive, so I can only know what I know.” The doctor leaned in and kissed Ash again. “Now, go. If I can, I’ll join you; otherwise, hurry home after.”

  “I’m doing this against my better judgment.” Ash frowned as she pulled her car keys from the small gray handbag she was carrying.

  “I appreciate you deferring to mine.” Emma reluctantly let her arms drop from around Ash’s shoulders. “Drive safe.”

  Emma walked back into the house to find Bryce standing in front of the bookshelves scanning the myriad of titles. “What do you like to read?” The doctor sat back down on the sofa and took a drink of her scotch.

  Bryce glanced back at the woman, amazed at how beautiful she was. “Everything really. I’ve not spent a lot of time with humans since I was turned, so books help me remember - and learn - what to do.” The redhead pulled a copy of One Hundred Years of Solitude from the shelf and began thumbing through it. “Time was not passing, it was turning in a circle.”

  Emma smiled. “That’s one of my favorites.”

  The two women looked at each other for a long while, neither feeling the need to speak. Bryce finally turned and put the book back on the shelf. “Do you hate me? Are you stomaching this interaction to avoid a scene?”

  Emma looked earnestly at the woman in front of her. The symmetrical planes of her face, the flawless, porcelain like skin, the thick mane of auburn hair cascading down her back. She was perfect in every way until you looked into her eyes. The piercing, vivid green was muddied by centuries of violence, fear, and rage. Emma, of all people, knew everyone was capable of doing a great wrong, a seemingly unforgivable evil, and not themselves being inherently evil.

  “I haven’t thought of you much over the years. Lewis is truly my maker, and I love him for the life he gave me.” Emma stood up and walked across the room so she was standing in front of Bryce. “I don’t know anything about you really, except for the brief moment our lives intersected.” The blonde took Bryce’s hand in hers. “Please know, whatever you think you took from me that night, I’ve found tenfold since.”

  Looking down at their joined hands, Bryce felt immeasurable gratitude toward the woman in front of her. She was amazed Emma could give her the one thing she struggled to give herself - forgiveness. “Thank you.”

  A warm smile spread across Emma’s lips as she wrapped her arms around Bryce. “You’re welcome.”

  ***

  Ash entered the code into the keypad on the front door and heard the melodic tones of Emma’s laughter coming from the kitchen near the back of the house. Putting her purse down on the table near the door, Ash made her way through the house.

  Emma had texted her a little over an hour ago to let her know she would not make Alfred’s dinner, and that she and Bryce were at the house talking. Rounding the corner and walking into the kitchen, Ash was struck by the casualness of the scene in front of her. The two vampires sat on stools at the granite-top island in the middle of the kitchen, each woman with a tumbler of Glenlivet in her hand.

  “Hi.” Ash hesitated at the doorway.

  Emma looked up and smiled warmly. “You’re home.” The blonde got up and walked across the kitchen toward Ash. Wrapping her arms around her waist, Emma kissed Ash on her full lips. “I missed you.”

  Simultaneously relieved to see the love of her life was unharmed, but confused by the sorority sister vibe the two women were exuding, Ash managed a weak smile. “Glad to be home. How’s everything going with you two?”

  Emma stepped back and turned toward Bryce. “We’ve been having a very productive talk. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  Bryce nodded and took a drink of her scotch. “Absolutely. You’ve both been wonderful to me considering the circumstances.”

  Ash walked to the stainless steel refrigerator and took a bottle of Dogfish 90 IPA from the door. “What are the circumstances exactly?” She looked directly at Bryce as she opened the bottle of beer. She was willing to defer to Emma on most o
f this, but the cop in her wouldn’t let her follow along blindly. She had questions.

  Bryce looked nervously at Emma, and then back at Ash. “Well, it’s a great relief to me that Emma doesn’t hate me.”

  Ash grinned. There were many things she loved about the doctor; her warmth and compassion were chief among them. The fact Emma sincerely had no animosity toward a woman who had, for all intents and purposes, savagely killed her didn’t surprise Ash in the least.

  “I understand struggling with actions driven less by the substance of your character and more by the necessity of your biology.” Emma spoke quietly as she sat back down next to Bryce.

  “My character hasn’t always been stellar either.” Bryce emptied the glass of scotch.

  Ash frowned. “What does that mean?” She wasn’t altogether convinced of Bryce’s intentions, and her suspicions made her feel on edge around the woman.

  Bryce looked down at her empty glass and took a deep breath. “A few days ago I was kidnapped by a witch and her coven.”

  Ash and Emma’s eyes widened in unison, but it was Emma who managed to speak. “A witch? Why would she do that?”

  Ash looked back and forth from a shocked Emma to a nervous Bryce. “Wait - what? Didn’t you forget the more pertinent question, honey? Like - what the hell do you mean a figment of a fairytale kidnapped you?”

  Emma reached for Ash’s hand and squeezed it gently. “They’re real. Very real.” She looked reassuringly at Ash. “It hadn’t occurred to me to tell you about them since I personally have never encountered one.” Emma looked at Bryce. “I thought the bloodlines had all but dried up?”

  Bryce reached for the bottle of Glenlivet and poured herself another glass. “The witch I’ve managed to piss off is over three hundred years old.” Taking a long drink, Bryce glanced up at Ash and Emma. Both women were staring intently at the redhead.