Rise Of The Hunters: A Seven Sons Novel (The Immortal Huntress Book 5)

by Kelly Hall

  “It’s been a long day,” said Canter. “I think I’ll dine in my room.”

  Delilah thought he didn’t want to sit at the table with Ignis. “You’re going to have to get back to normal sooner or later, and while I know you’re still angry, you can’t just avoid the things you don’t want to deal with.”

  Canter sighed. “I just meant that I’ll probably crash right after I eat. I’ve already had Mace in my head. I don’t need you there too.” He felt bad because her expression fell. “Look, I’ll be okay. I really will. I just have to do what feels right at the time, or else I’m going to go nuts. I’m stuck between wanting to kill and wanting to curl up in a ball and cry my eyes out.” Part of him really just wanted to go to sleep, dream of Katie, and never wake up. Anything was better than this. Not that he was about to off himself, but he would welcome death with open arms at that point.

  Jarreth walked back into the room. “You’re welcome to stay and help us if you want something to take your mind off things.”

  Delilah gave him a dirty look. “You’re not pushing our chores off on him as therapy.” She turned toward Canter. “Don’t mind him.”

  Jarreth shrugged. “I just thought that you might like doing something physical. This will give you a workout for sure. Unless you give Delilah all of the heavy work like I have been.”

  Delilah gave him a playful slap on the arm, and soon, the two were giggling.

  Canter felt an ache in his heart. It was good to see them playful and happy, but at the same time, he wanted to look away to protect himself from the pain it inflicted. “I’m going to go. I’ll see you two later.”

  He couldn’t get out of the house fast enough, and when he walked back out into the courtyard, he found Mace swinging a sword.

  Her bleached and black pony tail swung around her as she moved, and then she stopped and shook her head. “Dammit.” She held the sword out and frowned. “Ugh, back to the drawing board.”

  “Maybe you’re doing it wrong,” said Canter, with nothing better to do than to give her a hard time.

  Mace turned around, scratching the shaven part of her head. “I’m doing something wrong. I’m just not sure what.”

  Canter walk over and reached for the sword, which she handed over.

  “It’s supposed to light on fire when you swing it,” she said. “But for some reason, it won’t ignite.”

  “It’s like Delilah’s sword?” He had seen hers in action, and it was really impressive.

  “No, this one had a grip that triggers only with the right swing. I’m going to have to get with Ignis and see what’s wrong with it.”

  “Would he know?” he asked as he gave it a onceover. Then he handed it back to her.

  “I know you hate him at the moment, but he’s a genius when it comes to this kind of thing. He’s brilliant.”

  Canter knew Ignis had a lot in common with himself, and he even admired him in many ways for that reason. “I can’t argue with that.”

  “Do you know anything about weapons?” She stepped away and swung the sword once again.

  “I know how to use them. If that counts.”

  “Yeah, I’ve seen you in action. You know, I could always use a hand if you want to come down to the basement sometime.” She figured it couldn’t hurt him to keep busy.

  Canter grinned, still feeling the urge to pay her back for all of her previous talk. “From the look of your swing, you’d do better to come to me for help.”

  “Ouch. Cocky much?” Her eyes narrowed.

  “I’m just saying, you’re a little lazy in your stance.” He reached out and touched her shoulder, angling her elbow inward. “Hold your arm a bit closer. Tighten up your frame.”

  She gave him a harsh look but took the sword and did exactly what he said, drawing her arm in more and tightening her stance. Suddenly, the sword lit up but soon petered out.

  “Holy shit! It worked.” There had to be something happening with the position of the blade.

  “Maybe I do know something about weapons too,” he said with a smile.

  Mace admired her creation. “I think I know what’s wrong with it now. Thanks.”

  “Anytime.” He began to walk away, and Mace stopped him after his first step.

  “Hey, I wouldn’t mind having some more lessons. I mean, I’ve trained with my father, but we never stop learning, right? Maybe we could exchange knowledge? I could teach you a few things about making knives.” She understood he was in the market for a new one.

  Canter wasn’t sure what to say, but the more he thought about it, he decided it would provide the distraction he needed in his downtime. “Sure. I could use more practice with Katie’s sword.”

  She glanced at the gladius he wore. “It’s probably a bit light for you. I could help you fix that if you want to use it in battle.”

  “I like the feel of it the way it is. I’d kind of rather alter me than it, being it was Katie’s. She loved the sword. I don’t want to change it in any way.”

  “I understand. Could we start tomorrow?”

  Canter knew keeping busy would help, and he would be away from the two lovebirds. “Sure, why not?”

  Mace smiled and then swung her sword again, but nothing happened. She tried once more, tightening her stance, and fire flared at the tip then sputtered out. “I should get to the lab while I remember what I’ve got to tweak. I’ll see you later.”

  “See ya.” Canter watched as she hurried inside and then turned around to look out over the rubble of the south tower. He hadn’t let his attention be brought there much since the incident and was surprised to see Ignis moving stones away from what remained of the wall.

  As much as he tried to fight it, his natural instinct was to kill.

  Chapter 16

  Kayne stormed out of his room and into the hall. He had called for his bloodwhore, Celeste at least twenty minutes earlier, and she’d never shown up. “Fiona!” he shouted.

  “Yes, darling?” She rushed out of her room at the end of the hall and sauntered up to him as if she were a doting wife. “What can I get for you?”

  “Where is the girl? I called for Celeste over twenty fucking minutes ago, and if I don’t get blood, I’m going to behead every fucking person in this house. I don’t have time for this.”

  Fiona gave a nod. “I will go and fetch her.” She hurried down the hall toward the bloodwhores’ suite, but then something drew her in another direction. She could only hope that Liam hadn’t overstepped his bounds by helping himself to the top shelf stock? Kayne had his favorites, and for his own reasons, but there was one clear rule of the house: he did not share Celeste. It hadn’t escaped Fiona’s attention that the woman was the closest match to Rebekah Ward that Kayne had ever found, and he was hellbent on enjoying her while her body was still young like the Immortal Huntress, and he could pretend. Fiona tried not to think about it. The very idea of it made her sick to her stomach.

  As she threw open the door to Liam’s room, she found him standing near the window with his mouth attached to Celeste’s throat. “Liam!”

  Liam pulled away from Kayne’s girl with a smile. “She’s delicious.” He grinned, the blood dripping down his chin. “I do think she’s tastier than the last two.”

  “Liam, darling. You should pace yourself. And besides, this one belongs to Kayne.”

  “But I want her. If she’s good enough for him, then she’s good for me, right? You want me to have the best, do you not?” He pegged her with a hateful, accusing look.

  “Of course, darling. But if Kayne knows that you’ve drained his favorite bloodwhore, he’s going to kill you.”

  Liam smirked. “He wouldn’t kill me. It would hurt the Huntress too much. And we all know he’s in love with the Huntress.”

  Fiona’s eyes grew wild. “Don’t you dare speak of her that way in my presence. And I wouldn’t be so sure that being the Huntress’s pet in your former life would save you now.”

  “Sure, it will. I overheard them, you
know? That’s the funny thing about changing. You are aware of so much of what’s happening around you, and yet you’re in too much pain to say anything.”

  “And what did you overhear?” she asked, walking across the room to find the bloodwhore in a trance, the wound on her neck still dripping blood. She couldn’t present this one to Kayne this way. “Oh dear.”

  Liam lifted his chin with a sly grin on his face. “You mean, you don’t know about the bargain he made to do her a favor? And I thought you knew everything about him.”

  “Don’t fuck with me, Liam. If you know something, you should tell me.”

  “Fiona!” called Kayne from the other end of the hall, his voice so powerful it shook the walls. While she was worried, Liam wasn’t.

  “Looks like you should go and tend to your master. Tell him not to worry. I’m going to take good care of this one.”

  She could see the pleasure in the girl’s eyes, and then she glanced down toward the dead girl on the floor and thought about the other she’d disposed of already. Kayne was going to kill her. With any luck, he hadn’t overheard them from all the way across the huge distance. She quickly went down the hall to his room to find him standing in front of his window.

  “Well? Where is she? And do not lie to me.”

  “Liam needed his strength, and I’m afraid that I may have given him the wrong girl.” She wasn’t about to tell Kayne the boy had made himself at home.

  “Then bring me my other brunette.” He didn’t have time for her shit. He needed blood so badly, his fangs were itching.

  “About that other girl,” she said.

  “You gave him both of my girls?” Kayne reached out and grabbed her throat. “Are you fucking crazy, woman? Why should I not kill you here and now?”

  “I beg your mercy. I’m not used to having a child. It’s hard not to spoil him as I would have our own child.”

  “He is hardly a child, Fiona. He’s a sixteen-year-old young man, and he’s got you snowed already to the point of making horrible decisions. Now, I will give you an hour to go and find me a suitable replacement, or I am going to show the boy what happens when you fuck with me.”

  “He’s only acting out because he knows you can’t hurt him. He told me you made a deal with Rebekah.”

  “My affairs are not your business, and any deals I’ve made are not for him to know either. Perhaps if he’s going to be a little spy, I should end my bargain and be rid of him? Or better yet, wait until the Huntress upholds her end and kill him shortly after.”

  “You did bargain?” She had hoped it was a lie. “You promised her you’d change Liam in return for what?” She already knew deep down in her soul but wanted to hear it from him.

  “Again, that’s not your concern. The clock is ticking, and I’m getting hungry, Fiona.” He gave her a cold stare.

  Fiona was so angry she couldn’t see straight. “Not my concern? You’re not even the one who changed him! I did! And he’s mine now, and I’m going to love him like a son and spoil him. Maybe I should be the one bargaining with the Immortal Huntress.”

  “You know my blood is sacred. Do you think I’d give it to that little bastard?” The look in her eyes told him that she probably did. She still believed he’d given it to her. A lie he’d even let himself believe in order to hide the truth. “He’s lucky I saved him at all. And this is the thanks I get for giving you a child to care for? I should have sent him to the nearest safehouse for his transition.”

  She was glad he hadn’t. “I’m grateful. I just want to know what you have to gain from this.”

  “Ask your little spy. If he heard, then I’m sure you can convince him to tell you. Now, get the fuck out of my sight. Time is ticking, Fiona. And don’t bring me his leftovers. Bring me something fresh and unsullied. A girl from the city. And make sure she’s not polluted herself with Black Magic. I want a clean one, not some junkie.” Kayne looked out the window toward the rocks below and thought about Rebekah. If only she would come to him. Then he wouldn’t need a substitute. He’d never feed from anyone else ever again.

  Fiona stormed out and went back down the hall to return to the room. She had always thought being a good mother meant spoiling her son, but now, she realized if she were going to protect him, he was going to have to learn the word no.

  “You need to get up,” she snapped at Liam, who had sat on the foot of the bed staring at Celeste who was now on the floor babbling incoherently. Fiona walked around the bed and pulled the girl up by her hair. She screamed in fear, and Fiona snapped her neck and dropped her like she was no more than a piece of trash. She’d do the same to the Immortal Huntress if she could.

  “Why did you do that?” shouted Liam. “She was going to be my girlfriend!” He jumped from the bed and looked down at the girl.

  “Get over it, you brat. You’ve gotten me into trouble, and in case you haven’t figured it out, your life means very little in this house to anyone but me. I made you, and if you think that Kayne is going to spare your life for the Huntress, you’re mistaken. Whenever he collects what he’s bargained for, you’ll answer for this!”

  “You killed her, not me.”

  “Do you think Kayne really wants your fucking leftovers, you disrespectful little shit?”

  Liam knew the woman could rip him apart if she wanted. “Why are you being so mean? You know I’m new to this. You did this to me!”

  “And if it’s the only thing I ever do for you, you’ll be better off than you were before. You should be kissing my feet! We can get along, you and me, but you’re going to behave, especially if you want to get your way!” Kayne had never put up with her nonsense; she’d be damned if she would put up with his.

  “Fine,” said Liam, balling his fists. “But I want another girl.”

  “There will be thousands of girls, Liam. But I will not tolerate the disrespect. You could have the world with me. But I want us to be friends.”

  It took everything in him to muster up his response. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “And you will address me as ‘mother’.”

  She wasn’t old enough to be more than a sister. “I had a mother. She was killed by your kind because she was a junkie and hooked on Black Magic. They drained her dry for it.”

  “Our kind darling. She gave you your old life, and now I gave you a new one. And you will address me properly. Or I will lock you away, and you will get no more pretty girls. I’ll make you feast from old men. Their blood would sustain you just as well.”

  “Yes, mother.” He sneered at her and was quite certain he hated her. “Did you ask Kayne what he bargained?”

  “Yes, and he said to ask you. I suggest you prepare to tell me, but you’ll do so on the road. And I want the truth. We’re going out to find replacements for Kayne’s bloodwhores. You’ll do well to choose one of your own. We don’t get into town much, and they prove to be very useful, which you would have learned if you hadn’t gotten so greedy.”

  She’d look for a few young girls at the local college as she had for the last two, and this time, she’d make sure Liam found his own. But first, he was going to have to tell her everything she wanted to know.

  She tossed Liam his clothes and snapped her fingers. “Get dressed.”

  The two walked down to the garage, and Fiona called for their driver as Liam looked at the long, black car with dark windows. “We’re taking a limo?”

  “Of course. We need the room. And a lot of young girls love big cars. I expect they’ll be all over you. Just make sure that you leave the choice cuts for Kayne. Keep him happy, and we’ll all be happy.”

  Liam put on his seatbelt, and Fiona laughed. “Oh, darling, you have so much to learn.”

  He looked down and realized what he’d done. “Oh, yeah, I guess I don’t need that.” He unfastened it, smoothed down his pants, and admired the suit, which kind of made him look like a movie star. “Are we rich?”

  Fiona giggled. “I am wealthy, yes. My father was a merchant. He owned many ships in
his day. I’ve managed to keep his money and make it grow.”

  “Do I get an allowance, mother?” He gave her a sweet smile and took her hand as the car pulled away from the castle.

  She leaned back in her seat, crossing her legs. “Only if you tell me what I want to know.”

  Liam stared at her “You mean the bargain?”

  “Of course, I do. You tell me everything you know about the Immoral Huntress and that bargain, and I will give you everything your little heart desires.”

  “I overheard Kayne talking about sleeping with her. I guess I was worth whatever she’s got between those ancient legs of hers.”

  “Easy on the ancient talk, darling. I’m older than she is.” She took a deep breath. “And what did she say to that arrangement?”

  “She wasn’t happy.”

  “Stupid bitch.” Fiona rolled her eyes.

  “You are in love with him, aren’t you?”

  “Since the day my father gave me to him. We made a deal. I’ve been with him since.”

  “You’re his girlfriend?” He didn’t know much about Kayne.

  Fiona tucked her chin. “No, I’m not. I’ve been so good to him, and you’re the best thing he’s ever given me, other than a home. And I don’t know why he did that.”

  “Rebekah wants to check on me, I think. To make sure the transition took. He said she is to come to him. I wish there was a way to kill her when she did.”

  “That’s not an easy task. But if you’d be willing to try, perhaps I could help you?”

  “Then maybe we could make a bargain of our own? And just for the record, mother, Kayne’s crazy to not be with you. You’re so much prettier than Rebekah.” He figured he might as well tell the bitch everything she wanted to hear.

  Fiona stroked Liam’s hair, brushing it back from his face. “You and me are going to get along wonderfully.”

  Chapter 17

  Canter had gone to his room to toss and turn, but it wasn’t any use. There was no rest for the weary, and try as he may, his mind just wouldn’t let him relax.