“Yes, she got away from the slayers,” he emphasised the S on the end of the word and my brain rattled.
“Slayers?” Erik growled and the tension in his jaw increased.
“It seems Julius has reunited with his brother, Magnar. They are still at large, but no doubt my sirelings will bring us their heads soon.”
A breath snagged in my throat. If Magnar had reached the city, did that mean Callie had too? Had she stayed with him? Found her way here? And for what…me?
Fabian went on, “I hope you’re prepared for the wedding ceremony tomorrow. I’ve been informed that Montana has returned to you.”
“The wedding is off until the slayers are apprehended,” Erik snarled.
“Oh you really aren’t calling the shots anymore, brother. The wedding is on whether you attend it or not.”
“Miles is forcing the issue, is he?” Erik asked, his jaw ticking.
“Yes and I am too. I’ve decided to take a bride after all,” Fabian mused and something crawled up my spine, telling me to beware.
Nightmare hummed angrily in my pocket and I tried to read what it was telling me to no avail.
“What are you talking about?” Erik snapped. “There are no more Courtiers-”
“There is now. I caught Callie Ford. And she is quite the beauty, Erik. You know how I feel about blondes.”
My heart hit my throat. My pulse rose out of control.
I lunged at Erik, snatching the phone from his hand. “Where’s my sister, you asshole?”
Fabian’s laughter rang out of the device. “Hello, Montana. You really should have picked me and we wouldn’t be in this situation now, would we? Never mind. Your sister’s more my type. And by the gods, is she fiery.”
“I want to see her,” I demanded.
“There is not a chance in hell of that happening,” Fabian said. “She’s under lock and key until she walks down the aisle tomorrow.”
I clutched the phone tighter, my rage growing out of control. Erik prised it from my grip, taking my hand and squeezing it with a promise. But I didn’t know what the promise was.
“Are you telling me this to try and piss me off?” Erik asked coolly. “Because I'm rather pleased actually. I spoke with Andvari and it turns out we are supposed to have children with those of slayer blood after all.”
My brows pinched together as I stared at him, unsure what the hell he was playing at by lying.
A beat of silence passed before Fabian answered. “So you’ll be attending the wedding then?”
“Of course I will,” Erik said easily. “Then we’ll see who breaks the curse first.” He hung up.
I stared at him in utter confusion and a little bit of fear.
“Rebel…” He turned to me, his tone suggesting he was about to ask me something.
I ground my teeth, waiting for an explanation.
“We’re going to help your sister…but we might have to get married first.”
My mouth fell open. I stared at him for several long seconds, his words sinking in. Fabian had Callie. He was going to make her marry him. And after that…I cringed, unable to bear the thought of his slimy hands all over my sister.
I set my jaw, staring evenly at Erik. “Proposal accepted.”
He lifted a brow and a flicker of light passed through his eyes. “Good,” he said formally, but I was certain he was smiling when he walked back inside.
“It’s only to help my sister,” I said as I stalked after him and closed the door to shut out the cold.
“Of course.” He moved to a wooden cabinet across the room, taking out a bottle of whiskey and two glasses.
I narrowed my eyes. “What are you doing?”
“Drinking.” He poured the amber liquid into the glasses, passing me one. I didn’t take it, gazing at the drink as the sharp scent sailed under my nose.
Erik sipped his whiskey. “I find the best plans are often made after a stiff drink.” He grinned cockily, dropping down onto a chair and placing my glass on the table.
I had too much anxious energy to sit, but his words had sparked hope in me. “You’re really going to help me save her?”
“Yes,” he said, swigging his drink. Why was he so damn calm? Did he go around proposing to girls and planning rescue attempts often?
“So?” I demanded, thinking of Callie. Of her stuck with Fabian. Would he leave her alone until tomorrow?
I clutched my forehead, trying to bury the horrible images springing to mind.
“Take a breath,” Erik urged.
“I can’t,” I groaned. “What if he’s got his hands all over her?” I spat the words, heat flooding through my veins.
Nightmare whispered promises of his death in my ear.
“He’s not with her. He’s with Miles and Clarice. I heard them talking when I answered the phone.”
“So? He could go to her now,” I pressed.
Erik pursed his lips then took out his phone and tapped a text so fast that it was sent in less than a second. “Miles will keep her away from him until tomorrow.”
“Are you sure?” I buried my teeth in my lip.
“Yes. We’ve always made sure the girls are untouched until after the wedding. I trust Miles with this – despite the fact he won’t listen to me about the prophesy. This whole marriage and kids thing is ludicrous, but he insists that it is the key to undoing the curse.” He sighed wearily. “It doesn't mean he'll allow Fabian to hurt her though. He'll make sure the rules are adhered to.”
I nodded, having a few more choice words for what I thought of their ritual. Barbaric. Monstrous. Inhuman.
“So what are we going to do?” I asked, a knot tying in my stomach.
Erik ran a thumb across his mouth, deep in thought. “My best people will be at the ceremony tomorrow. I’ll work out the details with them on how we’ll smuggle her away. We won’t get near her before then.”
Doubts spilled through me. If he did that, what would happen to Callie then? Even if Erik could save her from the marriage, she would still be a captive in the city.
I nodded slowly, but my mind wheeled to Julius and Magnar. Surely they’d help if I asked them to? I couldn’t risk them hurting Erik…but if they could get Callie out of the hands of the vampires, I had to beg for their assistance.
“Okay,” I said, my tongue heavy as I accepted what I was going to do. What I had to do to help Callie.
“Can you trust me to handle this?” Erik asked. “I have some of the strongest sirelings in the city. They will be able to take her.”
I nodded. I did trust him to save her from Fabian. But it wasn’t enough. I had to get Callie away from the vampires entirely.
“What time is the ceremony?” I asked, thinking of Valentina’s phone in my pocket and what I was going to do the second I got a moment alone.
My heart pounded hard against my ribs.
Don’t hate me for this, Erik.
“Midday,” he said. “At St Patrick’s Cathedral.” He gave me a dark look. “Are you sure you’re ready for this? It will be risky, but I’ll protect you with my life, Rebel. You know that, don’t you?”
I moved toward him, sinking down into his lap and wrapping my arms around his neck.
“I know,” I whispered. And in my mind I added, And I’ll do anything to protect my sister too.
Erik had left me to shower while he made arrangements with his people for tomorrow. Steam billowed around me as I wrapped myself in a towel and took the phone from the pocket of my folded jeans. Erik was downstairs and I kept the shower running to conceal my voice as I called Julius.
“Shit, Montana, are you alright?” he answered and a bubble of relief grew in me at hearing his voice.
“I’m fine. I heard about Callie though…”
A crash sounded in the background and Julius sighed. “Yes, Magnar is losing his mind - he keeps breaking things.”
It struck me how much Magnar must have cared about Callie. “Oh...is he alright?”
“Yes, but
we’re in the dark here, Montana. We have no idea where Callie is or what Fabian is planning.”
I took a breath, my heart squeezing as I revealed what was going on. “Fabian is going to marry her tomorrow. I’ll be there…with Erik.”
“By the gods…” Julius sighed and I heard another gruff voice demanding to hear what I’d said. “Just wait a minute, brother,” he muttered then addressed me again. “Do you know where?”
“Yes but Julius, you have to promise me something first.”
“What?” he asked.
“You can’t hurt Erik. Either of you. If you come to the ceremony, you have to save Callie. Do whatever you have to to get my sister out of there. But you can’t touch him.”
Julius muttered something under his breath. “That’s a big request.”
“I know,” I sighed, my throat constricting. “But please. You have to promise me.”
I could almost hear the cogs whirring in Julius’s head before he answered. “Alright. This is a one time deal. If Magnar or I cross that fucker again, we won’t hold back.”
“Okay,” I breathed, praying that would never happen. “But tomorrow, no matter what, Erik is safe.”
“Deal,” he growled and I sensed he was a man of his word. I could trust him with my life. With Erik’s too. If only this once. “There’s a ceremony at midday at St Patrick’s Cathedral. I don’t know where it is exactly but-”
“I’ll find it on the map,” he cut me off. “Do you know anything else?”
“No,” I replied honestly. “But I think there’ll be a lot of vampires there. You have to be careful.”
“Same to you, Montana. Stay safe. And when we show up, I’ve got a ticket out of there for you too.”
I nodded firmly, unsure if I would take that chance if I got it. I’d figure it out tomorrow. “Thank you, Julius.”
“See you tomorrow, damsel,” he said, but with nothing of the playful tone he usually used.
“See you then,” I whispered, hanging up and taking a steadying breath.
The mirror on the wall was fogged up and I was glad. What if Andvari could lurk behind it...watching me?
I shuddered, gathering up my clothes and the phone. If Erik questioned me about it, I’d have to lie.
Heading into the bedroom, I placed the clothes in a laundry basket and hid the phone under the bed.
I found some soft sweatpants and a t-shirt and pulled them on. The world was dark beyond the window and hail stones plinked against the glass. Wherever Valentina was, I sensed she was angry about something. Had she been captured by Fabian too or had she always been on his side?
I considered going to search for Erik and moved toward the door. Before I got close, a knock sounded against the wood. I was pretty sure it was the first time he’d ever knocked and it brought a small smile to my lips.
I opened the door, finding him there in his shirt and trousers, his hair mussed up as if he’d been dragging his hand through it. “It’s all organised for tomorrow,” he revealed and my shoulders dropped with relief. One way or another, I was going to get Callie away from Fabian. With two plans in place, there was no way I could fail.
“You should get some rest,” Erik said, backing up, but I caught his hand.
“Stay.” The word fell from my lips without me really considering it. Goosebumps rose across my skin as he eyed me, seeming to deliberate my offer.
“Are you sure?” he asked and I sensed he was asking so much more than that.
The blood rose in my veins and I nodded, guiding him inside.
He shut the door behind him and tension stretched through the room, expanding into every tiny space inside me too.
I opened my mouth, trying to figure out what to say. What was I really offering here? No words came out and Erik stepped closer, brushing a lock of hair from my neck.
“Why are you looking at me like that, Rebel?” he mused and his sweet tone electrified every fibre in my body.
A blush crawled into my cheeks and I lost my nerve, bowing my head as he inched closer. My bare toes scrunched up on the soft rug beneath my feet. I knew what I wanted. But I knew I shouldn’t want it either. I was caught between two powerful emotions. One telling me to be with him, the other telling me to remain as far away as possible. The first feeling won the battle and I leant toward him, closing the distance between us.
Tip-toeing, I laced my fingers behind his neck and a rush of heat slid down my spine.
He took my waist, brushing his thumbs over my bare skin as my shirt rode up. I sucked in a breath as desire pooled in my belly and heat scattered through every inch of me.
“You need to tell me what you want, because I’m not going to make the decision for you,” he said, his tone rumbling and seductive.
The warmth in my cheeks grew out of control. I opened my mouth to say the words, digging deep for my courage. “I think…I want you.”
“You think you want me?” he echoed back at me with a smirk.
I floundered, leaning against him with a groan. Why was this so damn hard?
He chuckled in my ear. “Keep going. You’re fantastic at dirty talk.”
I laughed and the tension eased out of my body a little. Enough to give me an ounce of bravery.
“I do want you,” I said more firmly.
He reached down, grabbing my thighs and hoisting me up so I had to tangle my legs around his waist to hold on. He turned around and pinned me against the door, making my breath hitch.
“I think you’re bluffing,” he growled with a dark smile that tied my belly in knots. Before I could reply, he dropped his mouth to my jaw, trailing fiery kisses to the corner of my lips. I fisted my hands in his hair, but he refused to kiss me properly, skating over my lips and working up the other side of my jaw. I held on tight, his mouth causing heat to drip down my spine like melted butter.
“I’m not bluffing.” I tried to turn toward his lips, but he leant away with a hungry look in his eyes.
He dropped me and my feet hit the floorboards with a thump. “Are you sure?”
I nodded and he hooked a finger into my waistband, tugging me after him as he headed to the bed. A soft moan escaped my lips and I tried to drown it away, embarrassed that I’d made such a noise. And he was barely touching me!
He planted me on the edge of the mattress, standing over me and chewing on the inside of his cheek. I hesitated, sensing I needed to be more assertive if we were going to do this. I had to show I meant it or he’d never lay hand on me. And I really wanted his hands on me…
I rose to my feet, reaching for the top button of his shirt. His throat bobbed as he watched me and I eased the buttons free with shaking fingers. As I pulled the last button open, my hand met with his cool skin and I eyed the trail of hair that disappeared beneath his waistband.
He shrugged out of his shirt, letting it fall to the floor and I took in his achingly perfect body. My fingertips trailed to the crescent shaped scar on his midriff and his muscles firmed as I traced the shape of it with my thumb. I despised the idea of anyone hurting him. But that thought was so wildly opposing to my upbringing that a trickle of guilt passed through me. My family and I had been a slave to his kind. Was I betraying them by being here with Erik like this?
I scraped my eyes up to meet his and my doubts sped away as fast as a receding storm. He was everything to me. Everything. How could I resist this chance to be with him fully when I might never get it again?
I reached up to kiss him, but he pushed a hand against my stomach, knocking me onto the bed. I gasped as he fell over me, forcing me further up the mattress and resting his weight atop me. He placed his elbows beside my head to relieve me of the pressure, but I didn’t care. I tangled my arms around him, pulling him closer, not wanting him to hold back.
His mouth finally met mine and my hips bucked of their own accord as I lifted my knees up either side of him.
He groaned into my mouth and he grabbed my waist, tugging me flush against his body. His hands slid beneath
me, running up my back and sending a flutter of excitement through me. I never wanted him to stop touching me like that. He was the match that struck a fire in my soul. I couldn’t get enough.
Erik slid my shirt up, yanking it over my head and I gasped as his cool chest pressed against mine. My heart thundered like mad and I was sure he could feel it as he weighed me down, his lips meeting mine once more.
His palms trailed down my side, pausing at my hips and skating across my waistband.
I stilled beneath him, knowing if we went any further that was it. I’d already made my decision but doubts crept in again.
Traitor.
I forced the thought away as Erik released my hips, pressing his mouth to my neck instead and making a painfully slow trail down my body. His kisses felt branded on my skin, marking me as his. I wanted this so much and yet…
You’re giving yourself to one of the creatures who hunger for your blood.
I clamped my eyes shut, battling the thought away.
Erik’s mouth brushed against my waistband and I sucked in a breath.
Your father would be disgusted with you.
I sat bolt upright, snatching his shoulders as his hands threatened to tug down my sweatpants.
“Wait,” I gasped, hating myself for it. Shame flooded me and I threw a hand over my eyes, unable to face him as he leant away from me.
“What’s wrong?” He prised my palm away from my face and I met his anxious gaze. “I didn’t mean to overstep the mark, I-”
“You didn’t,” I choked, clutching onto his wrists. Tears hit me so hard and fast I wasn’t remotely ready for them.
I covered my face again, shifting further up the bed and tucking my knees to my chest.
“Montana – fuck – I’m sorry-”
“No, it’s not you. You didn’t do anything wrong,” I sobbed, wishing I could get myself under control. But all the grief I’d been bottling up for days came flooding out on me.
Not now. Why now?
I was a traitor to my own kind. How could I do this and ever look myself in the eye again? My dad would have been so ashamed of me…
Erik wordlessly passed me my shirt and I tugged it back on, thanking him on a hiccup.
Age of Vampires- The Complete Series Page 69
