by L. Danvers
Stakes and Daggers
Vampires of Crescent Cape
Book 3
L. Danvers
Cover Design by Melody Simmons
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
STAKES AND DAGGERS
First edition. September 2, 2019.
Copyright © 2019 L. Danvers.
Written by L. Danvers.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Copyright Page
Danielle
Julian
Danielle
Danielle
Aiden
Aiden
Grace
Grace
Grace
Danielle
Aiden
Aiden
Julian
Julian
Grace
Danielle
Danielle
Grace
Grace
Julian
Julian
Grace
Ben
Julian
Danielle
Danielle
Danielle
Danielle
Aiden
Grace
Grace
Grace
Reed
Epilogue | Ben
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Danielle
Fists pumping, I bolted for the boundary, sucking down gulps of cool air as I ran. Resentment sparked through me, sending my emotions bubbling to the surface.
Wounded pride. Embarrassment. Betrayal.
Warmth crept up my cheeks as the anger set in, my face hardening with each stride I made up the mountainside.
Who the hell did they think they were?
I couldn’t believe that Julian had gotten Aiden to compel me. It didn’t surprise me that Aiden had done it. Because that was exactly something Aiden would do. But Julian...
A creeping sensation slithered up my spine, a rush of adrenaline spurring me forward.
Ten years. Ten years as a blood slave. And now, even with supernatural abilities, I was still under their control.
My jaw clenched so hard it ached.
With Aiden, I had fallen for him so fast because, after so many years of abuse, it felt good to have someone, anyone, show me an ounce of kindness. It was sad, I knew, but true. And anyway, when he was drinking artificial blood, he was kind—keeping a dark secret from me, but nice enough...
But things with Julian were different. We belonged together. I could feel it in my bones. But how could we stand a chance together in this world if he couldn’t trust me to take care of myself?
It would have been a different matter altogether if I were still a human.
Deep down, I knew they were both trying to protect me. But I didn’t need protecting. I was a hybrid. I was strong. Fierce, even. I could handle myself.
Did the brothers really have so little faith in me?
I huffed with frustration as I continued to pick up speed.
What infuriated me the most was that instead of reasoning with me, Julian had gotten Aiden to compel me to run. It wasn’t fair. Wasn’t right. I’d heard him lament so many times about the fact that he and his siblings weren’t bound by blood. But he was forgetting that he and I were. Shouldn’t that come with some level of respect for me?
Still, as upset as I was, I couldn’t entirely fault him for his concern. I didn’t want to believe that Xander would hurt me. And yet, something about that look in his eyes... I’d never seen anything like it. They were like black pits of despair, calling for me. Summoning me...
I gritted my teeth, expertly navigating my way over jagged rocks that punctured the mountainside, the dagger Ben had given me thumping against my thigh with each step.
My ears perked up at the faint sound of rustling. Not from the howling wind. Not from the animals scampering around the woods. But from the direction of the castle.
I released a pent-up breath, and a puff of steam escaped my lips. I whirled around, expecting to see Xander, my chest rising and falling as I let out quick inhales and sharp exhales.
Nothing.
Shoulders tensing, I realized that even with my hybrid abilities, the velvet sky made it too dark to see a thing.
My hand drifted to the hollow in my neck, and I stood there, my mouth twisting into a deep frown.
Fear was getting the best of me.
Accepting that I was not, in fact, being hunted down by Xander, I regained my composure and continued on my way, picking up my pace until I was running at full speed. My once-frail legs were now taut and sturdy. Whereas once, I was a shell of a person, I was now the epitome of strength, though I maintained my lean frame. Running came as naturally as breathing, like I was an animal bred for strength and endurance. I guess, in a way, I was.
The cool air whipped around me, its icy sting licking my skin. I had to run. Thanks to Aiden, I had no choice. But... where could I go? My family was dead—thanks to him. I had no friends aside from Grace. I had no one I could turn to. Heck, I didn’t even have a phone.
How would I know when it was safe to go back?
Did I want to go back?
As ticked off as I was, the connection I felt with Julian was undeniable. It wasn’t some puppy-love crush. I’d had those back in the village. And even with Aiden, as embarrassing as it was to admit.
But this... this was different. Julian had awakened something in me that I didn’t know existed. He was a part of me. And I was a part of him. I couldn’t ignore that.
And anyway. I was a hybrid. I could handle myself for a short time... But could I keep my abilities hidden from the world in the long run? Doubtful. I needed guidance.
Which reminded me... there was the matter of feeding.
I swallowed the sudden clump of sand in my throat, realizing that until Julian and I were together again, I couldn’t feed. Because human blood made my insides feel like they were being pounded by a meat tenderizer. And, well, artificial blood wasn’t an option right now even if I did have some handy—which I didn’t.
Helpless. I was utterly helpless.
Reaching the peak of the mountain, I skidded to a halt, dirt and grass kicking up beneath my feet.
I had to go back.
Squaring my shoulders, my breath puffing in wisps of white, I looked out upon the lands of Crescent Cape. The gothic-style castle stood bold and magnificent, the stained-glass windows making the structure glisten like a beacon in the never-ending darkness.
Knowing that I had to get back to Julian, whether I wanted to or not, I started forward. And then I smacked against an invisible force so hard that it knocked me to my back.
Letting out a grunt, I stood, wiping the dirt on my hands against the dark jeans that hugged my thighs. I reached my hand out, feeling around for that invisible force...
Nothing.
Shaking it off, I stepped forward again.
And I smacked straight into the nothingness once more.
Aiden, I hissed.
He’d commanded me to run. And now, I couldn’t go back. At least, not until he allowed it.
Heart thrashing, a rush of exhilaration assaulted my senses.
I knew exactly where I needed to go. I needed to find the Book Slayers. If anyone knew how to break the sire bond between me and Aiden, it was them. If that bond was broken, not only could I return to the castle, but I would never have to listen to any of Aiden’s commands ever again. I
t was a solid plan. Although... I had no idea how I was going to get all the way to Charleston. Yes, my abilities afforded me incredible stamina. But only for so long. There was no way I could run that far.
Think, Danielle. Think. Think. Think.
The Kingdom of Crescent Cape was off the coast of Maine, veiled by magic. So, all I had to do was cross the border. Then, I could find a place where I could stop and ask for directions.
Maybe I could find a map at a gas station. I didn’t have any money on me, but I could hitch a ride. Or compel a car dealership to give me a vehicle. ...Except for the little fact that I’d never driven a car. But it couldn’t be that hard, could it?
Then again, maybe hitching a ride would be the best course of action. I wasn’t sure of the exact location of the Book Slayers. But if I could at least get to Charleston, I was sure that I could find my way.
The obvious place to look for the Book Slayers would be the library. Maybe there was some basement where they lived out their days...
All I knew was that I had to find them.
I had to break the sire bond.
I had to be free.
Julian
Watching her run was the hardest thing I’d ever done. The way she’d pinned me with her obsidian eyes before she fled, a poker-face veiling her true emotions, made my shoulders tighten. But what was I supposed to do? Risk Xander attacking her?
Danielle was a part of me. It was my duty to protect her.
My stomach had turned to lead when she raced out of the castle, knowing she was furious with me. Her silhouette faded into shadows, the smell of wet earth wafting in through the open door as she disappeared into the darkness.
My siblings said something, and I gave a distracted nod.
“JULIAN!” Grace shouted, pulling me back into the present.
I spun around.
She stood there, the skin of her oval face turning pallid, her feet rooted to the floor right next to where Uncle Ben, Evanna and now Aiden were restraining Xander. Voice shaking, Grace said, “You have to go after her. She needs you.”
The inside of my chest prickled. I needed her, too. Clearing my throat, I said, “She’s getting to safety. That’s all that matters. I have to figure out what’s come over this one and put a stop to it,” I said, gesturing toward Xander, who was aggressively fighting the others off.
“No,” she said firmly. “She needs you. To feed.”
My blood ran still.
My lips parted as I took in her words.
She was right.
My eyes darted to Aiden, and with a nod of his head, he said, “Go.”
“Take care of her,” Grace begged, her electric blue eyes swirling with fear.
I bowed my head. “You have my word.”
With that, I headed for the castle’s entrance and placed my hands on the door frame while breathing in her scent, separating it from the thick aromas of balsam firs and red spruce that filled these lands. Picking up her trail, my eyes flicked toward the mountain peak.
She was fast. Faster than I’d realized. She was already crossing the boundary.
With one last glance over my shoulder and a nod of encouragement from Grace, I ran. I ran fast and hard, using every ounce of power in my strong, athletic frame to get to her.
No wonder she’d looked at me with such wounded pride. Had she believed I would intentionally leave her to starve?
Never. I would never.
I chased her scent, breathing in her familiar aroma as I sprang forward, jumping over rocks and fallen limbs. Blindly following her trail through the night. I prayed my siblings—and Evanna and Grace, too—could find a way to stop Xander. I wasn’t sure how long restraining him would work. It was a temporary fix. They’d have to come up with a more permanent solution to this... this curse.
I knew in my gut that Reed Carlisle had something to do with it. Whatever had come over Xander had to be a result of dark magic. I didn’t understand what beef Reed suddenly had with my siblings, but something was going to have to be done about him. Even if he was Grace’s dad.
I shivered.
I knew Grace had come into her powers at an alarmingly fast rate, but I never in a million years would have pegged her to be the daughter of Reed Carlisle. Sure, she was a bit snarky. But she was a good enough person—after all, if Danielle cared for her so deeply, she couldn’t have been bad. But it did make me question what would become of Grace as she continued to learn more about her magic. Would she use her powers for good? Or would her control over the laws of nature cloud her judgment, as it had with her father?
I shook my head, arms pumping, trying to clear the nagging thoughts from my mind. I’d have to worry about Grace another time. Because right now, all that mattered was finding Danielle.
My lungs were screaming for air by the time I caught sight of her—her lean, taught frame angelic in the dim starlight.
I sized her up, the side of my mouth curving upward as she whirled around. My mouth parted, and at the same time, a puff of cool air escaped her lips.
But by the time I reached her, she was staring me down, her mouth set in a hard line.
I stepped in closer, cradling her soft, cool cheek in my hand. Her lashes fluttered, but her expression quickly firmed.
“I’m sorry,” I said before she had the chance to say anything. She studied me for a minute, though it felt as if time itself had stilled. The silence was agonizing, made even more unbearable by her somber expression. “When I saw Xander like that...” I started, trying to explain myself. I shook my head, trying to hide my terror.
She turned her face away, searching for anything to look at other than me. She might as well have daggered me.
I dipped my head. “I wasn’t thinking straight,” I muttered. “I was afraid, and I made the wrong call. I shouldn’t have asked Aiden to do that to you. And believe me, when I realized you wouldn’t be able to feed...” I gulped.
The muscles in her face relaxed, and she turned back to face me, a line forming between her brow. “You really were scared,” she said, surprised. But why would she find that surprising? Did she truly not know how I felt?
I trailed my thumb along her cheek, my gaze locking in on hers. I lowered my voice, speaking gently but clearly so that I could make her understand. Swallowing again, I said, “You mean everything to me.” I took one step closer, pulse racing so fast that her eyes briefly flicked to the vein in my neck.
“Do you mean that?”
Voice shaking, I said, “I do.”
She studied me for a moment more before resting her hand on my chest. “I believe you.”
A rush of heat coiled through my veins until I ached for another touch.
To my relief, standing on the tips of her toes, her plump lips brushed against mine.
I pulled her in closer, kissing her firmly.
Her hand slid around the back of my neck, making its hairs stand on end. All I could think about was me and this fierce woman before me, the rush of wind prickling our skin as we warmed each other with our touch.
She relaxed in my arms, and I held her, the taste of her lips awakening something within me...
I broke away from the kiss for a fleeting moment, savoring this moment. Taking this lovely creature in.
Danielle’s nose wrinkled, a playful smile dancing across her lips. “What is it?”
I breathed hard, suddenly feeling like a pimple-faced teenage boy about to reveal his not-so-secret longing to the girl of his dreams. “I... I...” I stopped myself. This wasn’t the right time or place. When I told her how I felt, I wanted it to be memorable. Something she’d be able to treasure for the rest of her immortal life—not while we were in the middle of the mountains in the freezing cold, fleeing from my temporarily psychopathic brother.
But, as if reading my thoughts, her eyes sparked with affection. “I know you mean well. I was so upset with you earlier, but... maybe... maybe I’m not used to people looking after me.”
The corners of my eyes
wrinkled, and I took her hands in mine, cradling them. “Like it or not, I will always protect you, Danielle Parker. Even if you hate me for it.”
She chuckled.
I kissed her once more and said, “And now, my dear, as much as I would love nothing more than to kiss you all evening, we have eternity ahead of us. But only if we can keep you the hell away from Xander.”
The twinkling in her eyes faded, and she agreed.
So, side by side, we ran.
Our supernatural abilities allowed us to make good time. A storm of pride and shame competed within me as I realized how powerful Danielle was. The combination of her vampire and werewolf abilities housed inside her petite frame made her a force to be reckoned with.
It was possible that she may not need my protection much longer...
But until she had more practice, she needed someone to look after her.
When we finally crested the mountain peak, I threw my head back, sweat trickling down my spine, as I gulped down the cool night air.
We’d taken an unusual route on purpose. While I trusted my siblings would give me a call if Xander had evaded them, it didn’t hurt to take extra precautions...
IT WAS ABOUT TEN O’CLOCK by the time we reached Amber Falls—a picturesque city with a vibrant nightlife, as evidenced by the hazy glow of pink and yellow neon signs. Danielle shook out her loose, shoulder-length hair, her eyes sparkling.
I offered her my hand, and she took it, giving it a squeeze.
“I just realized something,” I said, my mouth twisting into a grin.
Her eyebrows lifted quizzically.
“You, my dear, have never been taken on a proper date.”
She blushed, a laugh escaping her. “How could you possibly be thinking about a date right now?”
I shrugged.
“I’d love to go on one,” she admitted. “It would be nice to feel normal for a change. I’d much prefer living a little over cowering in fear. But I need to freshen up first,” she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m all sweaty and gross.”
“You’re assuming that was an invitation,” I said plainly, obviously teasing.
