J.C. Gordon's Blog, page 8

Tears of the Fallen Ch. 14 teaser

Demetri strode into the laboratory at the pack compound, easily carrying a small refrigerator in his hands. A young female wolf gaped at him with an open mouth, a flicker of fear on her face as he walked through the door. She was the only person in the lab and she looked like she was ready to run screaming out the room. He had to fight down the urge to growl in irritation.
“Where is Cassia or Mallen?”
The girl gaped at him, a shiver of fear running through her that was so strong, he could actually see her quake. Demetri took a deep breath and tried again. “This refrigerator has been without power for over an hour. The contents will spoil soon if they haven’t already. It’s imperative I get it to Cassia or Mallen as soon as possible.”
“Plug it in over there, Demetri,” Cassia said from behind him, and he turned his head to see her just arriving, pointing to a clear workspace at the back of the room. She gave his a wide smile, not the least intimidated by him, but then she was used to seeing him around her house when he visited with Alexei.
“Trish, why don’t you take a break for a little while, go and get yourself some lunch. I can help Demetri.” The young girl almost ran from the room, relief etched on her face as Cassia freed her from having to have any further dealings with the vampire.
The Vârcolac waited for her to leave before she quirked an eyebrow at her adopted uncle. “You could make a little more of an effort. You scared the poor girl witless and she’s one of Mallen’s more promising students. We really can’t afford to lose her skills if she becomes too afraid to come to the lab. She has a strong maternal streak and needs a lot of support right now.”
The vampire had deposited the refrigerator where he was told and looked back at her as he plugged it in. “What? All I did was ask where either you or Mallen where.”   
“Demetri, you know fine well you scare the crap out of most people just by walking into a room,” Cassia laughed, fondness in her tone. “What are you, six foot two? Factor in the whole big scary vampire thing you’ve got going on and you’re likely to have half the teenagers running scared with one glance in their direction. It doesn’t help that Pietro was here earlier looking like something out of a Dracula movie. He almost scared poor Trish to death.”
Her droll tone had Demetri smiling and he crossed the room to give her a quick hug. “Speaking of Pietro, I’d have another shower before you head home, Cass. Unless you actually want Alexei to go ballistic?”
She flushed a deep shade of red, hugging him back for a moment before stepping away. “Thanks for the heads up.” It was disconcerting to know the vampire was aware of her tryst with his friend so she quickly changed the subject before he could comment further. “Rafe said this is a viable sample of the toxin.”
“I checked and it appears to still be good but what would I know for sure, I’m not a scientist. The door hasn’t been opened since I unplugged it, so with luck, the temperature will have remained cold enough to keep it safe. I’d give it an hour or so to chill down again before having a look.”
 “I agree. Do you want to come over to the house for some lunch?” Cassia was taping a sign to the small unit warning against it being opened in case anyone came in while she was gone.
“Vampire here. I don’t eat.” The Ancient’s laugh was a warm rich sound that only a very few ever got to hear. “However, I do want to know how Pietro is getting on so I’ll accompany you while you eat. Will Cedar and Alexei be there?”
Cassia shook her head, preceding him out of the lab. “Mom’s over at the Hanlon pack today keeping Jared abreast of everything that’s been happening and taking a little time to catch up with family. Dad’s out on some Council business. I think he was supposed to be meeting with Andrei and Mara.” There was a questioning inflection in her voice as she spoke.
The vampire at her side smiled, and it was one of his more natural smiles, which usually graced his handsome face whenever his wife was around or mentioned. “Yeah, they’re meeting with Stefan to keep an eye on how things are with the Council. At the last meeting everything appeared to be moving in the direction we want, however, it’s not unknown for one or two of them to suddenly change their mind.”
He followed her into her kitchen and watched as she began making coffee for him as well as a sandwich and some tea for herself. “So, what’s going on with you and Pietro?”
“It’s private, Demetri,” Cassia choked out, startled by his bluntness.
“He’s been through a lot, Cass. Playing around with a wolf might not be the best thing for him right now. I know for a fact Alexei going ape-shit at him sure as hell isn’t a good thing.”
She turned around to regard him, her expression surprised for a moment before a wide smile crossed her face. “And here was me thinking you were lecturing me about it for my protection. It’s a pleasant surprise to find it the other way around.”
Demetri’s own serious expression lightened a bit, his lips twitching in a smile. “Yeah, it must be a bit of shock finding someone who has actually realised the Vârcolac are more than capable of taking care of themselves,” he conceded, taking the proffered cup of coffee she handed him.
Cassia sat down at the table with her lunch, chewing thoughtfully before she spoke. “I’m not playing, Demetri.  Pietro is safe with me. He may not know it yet, and apart from Dara, you’re the only other person who does know, but he’s mine.”
She didn’t know what she expected his reaction to be but the smile that crossed the Ancient vampire’s face made Cassia suck in a deep breath and feel slightly envious of Mara that she got to witness that expression all the time. Not that she would trade Pietro in for anyone else but she was woman enough to acknowledge a handsome male when she saw one.
“He’s your mate?” he asked, though they both knew it was a moot question so he didn’t wait for her to answer. “If anything can help Pietro heal, it will be finally finding his mate after all these centuries. I couldn’t have chosen a better match for him either.  You are perfect for him.”
For some reason Demetri’s warm approval brought a lump to Cassia’s throat and she had to swallow hard to clear it and return his smile with one that held a hint of sadness. “He’s so angry, Demetri.  Yes, he’s going through the motions of moving on but the rage he’s bottling up inside is destructive. I’m afraid of what he may do to Thereasa if he ever comes into contact with her.”
The vampire’s eyes darkened and a frown creased his forehead. “Do you think he’ll hurt her?” While he had no love for the former vampire, he was astute enough to know the potential damage it could cause to the pack, not to mention the personal harm it could cause to both Liam and now Cassia, if his friend was to act out any thoughts of vengeance. It was a disaster waiting to happen.
“I think there is a very strong probability that he may,” she whispered, fear in her eyes as she met his. “As long as he doesn’t actually see her, he’s able to keep in his mind that she’s Liam’s mate and as such, to protect Liam he has to leave her alone. If he were to see her though, I’m not so sure that he’d be able to hold onto that rationale.”
Demetri sat back in his chair, imagining the chaos that would ensue if Pietro lost it and hurt the woman. The chances of something similar to what happened up at the Praetorian compound occurring would be a high probability. Maybe it would be wiser to move Pietro from the Armand-Hanlon pack. He was sure Mara wouldn’t mind if he suggested the vampire move in with them for a while.
“Have you talked to Rafe about it?” he eventually asked, all the while thinking about possible solutions to the problem.
Cassia shook her head. “Not specifically, but I know he’s more than aware anyway. I’ve noticed Sam and Harlan are always around the compound since Pietro’s been here. They’re two of Rafe’s strongest Betas. Also, Aaron’s been close to home too. With all the work required to transfer ownership of the pack’s businesses and start up new ones, he should be coordinating that but he’s here most of the time. Rafe is keeping his best people close and it can only be for that reason.”
Demetri nodded his agreement. The Alpha was smarter than most wolves he knew which was expected of anyone he accepted into his family. Rafe had earned his respect years ago when they had fought with Richard Graves after his attack on the Hanlon pack. While their relationship wasn’t the standard kind of family one, he was Rhianna’s brother and that meant he was Demetri’s family by default and under his protection.
“I’ll speak to Mara and Caleb. It might be wise to remove Pietro from the pack and place him somewhere else.”
“He’s not ready for that,” Cassia disagreed, denial rippling through her at the thought of her mate going anywhere away from her. “He’s only just venturing out of the house and only in my company. Reasa and Liam will be heading up to the Praetorian compound soon anyway, from what I hear. Let me work with him, Demetri. As long as I stay close everything should be okay.”
He looked doubtful but he finally conceded, though he wasn’t entirely happy about it. “He can’t be allowed to do anything that may hurt the pack; no matter how justified some may feel he is. If he kills Thereasa and Liam goes rogue, hundreds of people could die.”
“It won’t come to that. I know it won’t. I won’t let it.”
The determination in Cassia’s voice matched her expression and it was enough to ease some of his concern. Demetri sipped at his coffee as she ate, wondering if perhaps it would be wise for him to pop in and have a word with Pietro before he headed home.
*****
“I thought the purpose was for me to recuperate here undisturbed?” There was no mistaking the irritation on Pietro’s face as he opened the door.
Demetri merely gave him a level stare before brushing past him into the house. “Cassia reeks of you.”
His friend smiled, a genuine, warm smile that reached his miss-matched eyes. “She should,” was all the other vampire said turning to head into the empty living room.
“What are you doing, Pietro? You know Alexei will hand you your ass on a plate when he finds out your having sex with his daughter. Do you have a death wish? Wasn’t Europe a step too close for you?” Demetri watched his friend closely, seeing the slight stiffening of his shoulders that indicated his temper was on the rise. He didn’t care, he had to find out if Pietro had any concept of what was happening. Perhaps then, he’d be able to have a word with Alexei when the shit hit the fan.
“Remind me again what business my personal life is of yours, Demetri? Should I start commenting on your relationship with Mara and Alexei’s with Cedar?” There was more than a hint of coolness in Pietro’s voice as he sat down on the sofa and met his friend’s stare.
“Alexei and I are mated to our partners. What are you implying here? Is Cassia your mate?”
Pietro’s expression turned neutral, not a hint of what he was feeling crossing his face. “Don’t be ridiculous. We’re just enjoying each other. The last time I looked Cassia was a grown woman who is more than capable of making her own decisions. I don’t see why this is anyone else’s business but our own.”
Demetri sat down on the sofa across from him, an eyebrow quirking at his choice of words. “Why ridiculous? Mac found his mate in Lily when he least expected it. Why is the possibility of Cassia being your mate ridiculous?”
“Look at me, Demetri. Look at the scars on my face. You’ve seen the ones on my body in Europe. What woman would want…this?” Pietro hissed out the words, waving a hand at the visible scars on his face and neck. His eyes blazed with repulsion, his one remaining hazel eye turning almost as black as the damaged one.
If he’d thought his outburst would garner some form of sympathy from his friend he was rudely mistaken. Demetri’s expression remained the same, thoughtful but unsympathetic. “Clearly Cassia doesn’t mind your imperfections.” He pointed out the obvious. His response only appeared to irritate his friend more.
“I’m an anomaly to her. I’m the first vampire to be scarred for life. Of course, she’s going to be interested in me. My body may hold the clue to an antidote for this poison. That calls to the scientist in her. As soon as she’s found a cure she’ll have no further need for me anymore. So I will enjoy the time I have with her for however long I have it, but that is all there is to this thing between us. It is all there can be. I’ve told her that so she’d aware.”
Demetri stared at him, using all of his self-control to stop his mouth from dropping open. It was obvious Pietro was clueless to what was happening. He truly believed what he was saying. Did his friend really know Cassia so little that he believed she was only interested in him for scientific reasons and would leave him when that was no longer the case?
He felt a pang of sympathy but it was for Cassia not Pietro. She was an amazing young woman with a bright future ahead of her. She was happy at finding her mate in Pietro however, she had no idea that her mate didn’t want her. Was she strong enough to ride out his friend’s demons with him? It could prove one hell of an upward battle to convince Pietro that he was worthy of her.
“I’m astounded to hear you think Cassia is that fickle,” he finally said, standing up to leave. Coming here hadn’t been a good idea after all because Demetri was sorely tempted to kick the shit out of his friend for being so narrow-minded. “It would serve you right if she did kick you into touch. While I’m here, there are also some concerns about your antipathy towards Reasa. I just wanted to remind you to stay away from the girl.”
“I don’t need you to tell me that,” Pietro snapped back, more than a little anger in his voice as he rose too. “I’ve stayed away from her for days now. You have no need to concern yourself over that. You really came here just to push my buttons, Demetri?”
The two vampires stared each other out and then Demetri’s lips quirked in a smile. “Actually I did want to see how you were doing too,” he grinned. “It’s good to see you with some fire in your belly, my friend. Hold onto that and you will heal just fine.” He turned and walked to the front door.
As he pulled it opened, Pietro followed him, a scowl on his face. “What did you mean about Cassia not being so fickle? Demetri! Demetri!”
Climbing into his car, Demetri’s grin widened at the sound of the front door slamming shut when he didn’t answer. He may suck at the more tender emotions but he sure as hell still had it in him to piss people off. Hopefully, Pietro would be so off-balance trying to figure out his relationship with Cassia that there wouldn’t be any chance for him to accidentally bump into Thereasa.
The Vârcolac had her work cut out with his friend, there was no doubt about that, but there was more than enough spark still within Pietro. He had faith that she would be able to make him see sense. The only question was…would she be able to do it before Alexei found out about them.
*****
Reasa had just finished lunch when the knock came on the front door. Freya looked up from the pile of paperwork she was nose deep in and smiled. “I wonder if he was clock watching,” she commented before calling out, “Come in, Liam.”
Taking a deep breath, Reasa deposited her plate and cutlery into the dishwasher and then turned to greet the Vârcolac. “You had sufficient time to read the entire book?
“Eidetic memory,” he grinned, the book on dream walking tucked under his arm at his side. “I brought it back so you could read it later. It really is fascinating.”
There was a new confidence about him. It was subtle and not the least cocky, but she could see the slight change in him as he waited patiently for her to decide what they were going to do. She had to admit the confidence made him much more appealing and it was hard to keep her gaze fixed firmly on his face and not travelling down his body to admire the view.
Giving herself a mental shake, she turned to Freya who was openly watching them without the least attempt to conceal it. “May we use you for the next lesson, Freya?” She noted Liam frown at the words. He was clearly not happy at the prospect of his aunt being with them.
“What am I required to do?”
Reasa ignored Liam, keeping her gaze on the vampire. “If you could possibly choose an appropriate emotion and maintain it for a while? Liam and I will be in the other room. I want to show him how to seek out individual emotions. As he already had a strong connection with you, it should be easier for him to detect your emotions.”
Freya frowned, looking back at her paperwork. “Wouldn’t Elina be a better choice for this? Liam has the same affinity with her as he does with me. I am very busy right now.”
Reasa shook her head. “Elina is too used to using her abilities to shield Liam. That habit will most likely provide an obstacle to any progress.”
“Irritation is an emotion too, Freya,” Liam grinned at his aunt. “I’m used to sensing that in you so I should be able to find you easily.”
Giving her nephew a pointed look, the vampire finally sighed. “Very well, but try to make this quick. Learn fast, Liam, I have work to finish this afternoon.”
Laughing at the pique in Freya’s tone, Liam followed Reasa into the back of the house. He was excited to learn new tools that could help him control his empathy, but he was more excited about spending more time with his mate. The morning lesson had been challenging, especially when he’d had to confront his vampiric side, but having Reasa in his mind had been amazing. He couldn’t wait to experience it again and have their positions reversed so he could be in her mind this time. He wondered what he would learn about the exotic creature that was destined to be his mate.
He was also excited to tell her what he’d learned from Annie’s book. Since he’d discovered what he’d inadvertently done up at the Praetorian Compound, it had only been his stronger shields that had prevented his sorrow and guilt from being projected onto the pack. After reading the book, he now had some hope that they may be able to save the stricken vampires.
Reasa took her position on her bed as before and he took his at the bottom facing her, the book on dreaming walking once more placed between them. It appeared symbolic, as if it gave her some form of protection against him. It was enough to make Liam smile. If he were determined to have her no book would get in his way, however he knew she needed more time so he was content to wait until she came to him. She would come to him, of that he had no doubt. No one could withstand the mating instinct, not matter how hard they wished they could.
“Stop grinning. This is serious and you need to concentrate.” Reasa’s tone was waspish and it reminded him of his aunt and sometimes Elina too. It suddenly struck Liam how he automatically formed bonds with women who were usually cool and reserved. He was drawn to personalities that soothed his soul even as he strove to try to bring laughter into their lives because he wanted to see them happy.
Composing himself, he tried to look less pleased with being in Reasa’s company. He really did want to learn what she had to teach him and didn’t want to risk having her decide to withdraw her offer to help. Relaxing his arms on his crossed legs, he waited for her to begin.
“This time we’re going to be entering my mind so I can show you how to locate someone’s emotions. I am strong enough to make small enhancements to emotions without damaging the host mind, which is very easy to do. You MUST concentrate fully, Liam. You have the power to turn me into a drooling mess and I’m not so sure you wouldn’t be able to do the same to Freya despite her having one of the strongest minds I’ve come across. I cannot stress just how dangerous this is. One slipup and you could wipe both of our minds.”
Some of Liam’s eagerness waned as he saw the seriousness of her expression. Reasa wasn’t being overly-theatrical, she meant every word. If he deviated even the slightest from her commands, he could possibly harm two of the women he cared most for in the world. A tremor of fear gripped him and something must have shown in his eyes because Reasa’s expression softened slightly.
“I believe your natural protective instincts will not allow you to do any harm,” she said in a less acerbic tone. “I’m willing to take the risk so try not to be overly concerned about it. Be careful, yes, but have some faith in yourself.”
“What about my aunt? Is she aware of how dangerous this is?”
Reasa nodded. “Of course. All vampires are aware of the risks of another entering their minds. The fact Freya suggested Elina for the task proves her faith in you, Liam. She would not risk her daughter if she thought for one moment you may harm her.”
That settled him a little, and he loosened his shoulders to relax himself. “Okay, what do I do?”
“I’m lowering my mental shields a fraction to allow you to come in. Very gently reach out with your mind and try to find the way in. Most people imagine different things when it comes to their defences. They often don’t even realise they’re doing it. The first step is always to try to determine what they are. Try to work out what my defences are and then the path I’m allowing you to take to enter into my mind.”
Closing his eyes because it was better not to have the distraction of looking at his mate, Liam carefully pushed out his mental awareness towards Reasa until he came across a lattice of thick strands of rubber. He tested the thickest part of it, giving a weak mental push and watching the rubber give a little but rebound back into place the instant he stopped pushing. It was fascinating so he did it again and smiled.
Reasa’s shields were very strong and he couldn’t stop the swelling of pride that rushed through him. When they joined together they would be so strong. Her experience and his strength as a booster would make them a formidable team.
“Liam…”
There was exasperation in her tone so he moved on, following the rubber strands as they began to taper down in thickness until he was at the barest of openings. It was so minute if he hadn’t been concentrating so hard he would have missed it. She was very skilled at this and he couldn’t stop another smile crossing his face as he accepted her invitation and entered her mind slowly.
It was strange to be within someone else’s most private place. It wasn’t the same as the mental communication they’d shared. He was more fully inside Reasa’s mind, sensing her emotions and being close to her thoughts too.  If he really wanted to he could push just a little and he would be able to read her thoughts but he chose not to do that. Instead he concentrated on an area in her mind that closely resembled an overgrown well and sent his physic persona to that place.
“Your touch is very light,” Reasa said out aloud, approval in her tone that widened his grin. “Continue with this level of touch and calmness and I may come out of this intact. You’ve found where my emotions are hidden. Can you determine the different ones?”
Liam didn’t speak, he used his mind to conjure the image of a feather which he dipped into the well carefully. She had said to keep his touch light and a feather was the lightest item he could think of. He didn’t want to inadvertently hurt her.
Reasa giggled as he stroked the feather over a moss-hewn brick and he laughed at the sound. “This is where your sense of humour lies,” he chuckled, dragging the feather over it again so he could hear the wonderful sound she emitted. He could have stayed there all day making her laugh but knew she would tell him off if he tried it.
Moving on, he brushed another brick and felt the first stirrings of irritation within his mate as her breath hissed out. Anger. He tried again and felt a hot blast of desire exude from the woman before him, and he quickly backed away before she could become angrier. “Sorry,” he whispered.
“It is fine, just move on,” Reasa answered, a breathless quality to her voice.
Liam didn’t brush anymore bricks with the feather; he let it melt away and just viewed the bricks. He was quickly recognising each emotion and he didn’t want to touch the ones that would cause her pain or induce her to cry. He spent a few more moments staring into the well before he backed away. “I feel confident I know what I’m looking for now, Reasa.”
His mate let out a slow breath and he opened his eyes to see her watching him intently. “You learn so fast.” There was an accusation to her tone.
He shot her a rueful smile. “The book has a section solely on this,” he admitted.
Her green eyes bore into him as her lips tighten a bit in disapproval, but she didn’t call him on the fact he’d kept that to himself. “Fine. Let us see if you can narrow in on individual emotions now you know what you’re looking for. Lower your defences until you can feelboth Freya’s emotions and mine. Don’t open too wide to the entire pack or you may be overloaded. Start small.”
He did as she asked, keeping a light presence in her mind in the region where her emotions were and then reached out psychically to the other room to sense his aunt. Freya was concentrating on her paperwork task, irritation wafting from her in spades. He stayed still, sensing the difference in wavelengths and noting that each had a distinctive pattern, an individual signature.
It was something akin to what he did with the Vârcolac. Before today, he had only been able to do this with the Vârcolac because they were more prone to speaktelepathically. In hindsight, he could see that he’d automatically learned their signatures at an early age. This was the first time he’d ever noticed it with anyone else in the pack and it was a heady feeling.
It was enough to make Liam smile again and he couldn’t resist testing his aunt’s mental defences to see if he could easily enter her mind. He was immediately brought up short by a hedge so dense it was a solid wall. As if that wasn’t bad enough, it appeared to be encased in a mesh of barbed wire. Stunned, he could only gape at it in stunned shock. Surely she had to have the most impressive defences of anyone he knew, and if she did, he could only imagine the depth of emotions she kept hidden from the world.
He began to test each section, keeping his touch light as he sought a way in. Liam knew he was probably powerful enough to force his way into Freya’s mind but that wasn’t the object of the lesson. He just wanted to test if he could slip inside. He didn’t want to do anything while he was there, he was just overcome with the need to know…
“Liam!” Reasa’s scolding tone startled him and he hastily backed away, his expression sheepish when he opened his eyes to look at her.
“Freya did not give you permission to trespass in her thoughts.”
“Sorry, I got a little carried away there.” His tone was meek and he gave a small smile that turned into a large grin when she rolled her eyes.
“Somebody save me from foolish males who think a cute smile will get them out of trouble,” she grumbled under her breath, but he could see a smile threatening to tilt her lips upward. 
To be continued...

Chronicles of a Vârcolac: Kothari's Journal Part 5

Chronicles of a Vârcolac: Kothari's Journal Part 4

Chronicles of a Vârcolac: Kothari's Journal Part 3

Tears of the Fallen Ch 13 Teaser

Okay, this is almost the full chapter bar about 2.5K words. As I worked this edit, I was so overcome with emotion reading it, having long forgotten how emotionally impactful it was to me personally when I wrote it. I had to complete Liam's journey through his past with the Teaser. It would have been wrong not to do so...it just means you will have less newer bits to read when the chapter posts up to Lit

*



Chapter Thirteen
Thereasa wanted to groan at her choice of room to teach Liam, but her options had been limited due to her current status. The pack was hardly likely to let her leave or go to a less secure house, so she had to make do with what she had.
She quickly ran her eyes around the interior of the bedroom; it was patently obvious that though it contained a large King-sized bed, it was clearly furnished for one occupant. There was a single, large upholstered chair beside the empty fireplace, and a smaller chair beside the vanity table. Liam’s huge size ruled out the smaller chair and brought the larger one into doubt as well. That only left the bed.
There was nothing else for it, so she squared her shoulders and turned around to look at the Vârcolac. “Do not get any ideas. After choosing a position at the head of the bed, she faced him as she crossed her legs and got comfortable. She motioned for him to join her, and the mattress dipped under his weight as he mirrored her position at the foot of the bed.  Liam placed the book between them.
“Before we start, will you please stop that?”
Liam blinked slowly, unable to hide the confusion that crossed his face. “Stop what?”
“Looking at me like you’re about to eat me up,” she snapped, as she added glare for good measure. “You are extraordinarily powerful, and you will need your full concentration for what I am going to teach you. We don’t have the luxury of time here, Liam. Who knows how much longer those people up at the Praetorian Compound have? It’s been days since the incident.”
Her words appeared to sober him, and he nodded in agreement as guilt flashed across his face.
“We don’t have time for that either,” Reasa remarked, though her tone was slightly less acerbic. “It happened. Deal with it. The important task now is to see if we can fix it. Put all your energy into that and just maybe we have a chance of doing the impossible. “
“It’s that easy for you, Reasa? You do something wrong and you just deal with it?”
There was curiosity in Liam’s tone as well as a hint of reproof. It was clear they wouldn’t be able to begin the tutoring straight away as she’d hoped. The large male before her had too much empathy, too strong a belief in right and wrong. Everything was black and white to him; he had to learn that there were shades of grey too.
Taking a deep breath, Reasa closed her eyes while searching for the words that might help him understand. “Everything moves at a fast pace when you live in the covens. It’s a completely different world to the one you live in, Liam. Here, you have the luxury of being protected by those who love you. From what I have seen during the short time I’ve been here, you are vastly overprotected—to your detriment—and that’s why the incident occurred up at the other compound. In the covens, you have to prove your worth daily. You have to be stronger, faster, and have a unique talent that sets you above everyone else. Only then would you attain the protection of your coven leader. It has to be earned.”
His eagerness to absorb every word was dampened by the thoughtful frown that settled across his face. Reasa took another deep breath and continued. “If you make a mistake you haveto deal with it swiftly. You can’t afford to wallow in self-pity and ‘if onlys’. If you do that, you’re dead. So, yes, Liam, it is that easy for me. It’s how I’ve stayed alive for as long as I have. I learn from my mistakes and I move on.” She let her words sink in, and fought to keep a smile from tilting her lips upwards. She could see almost see the wheels turning in his head as he processed what she had said.
He finally nodded, his gaze intent. “You have had to struggle all of your life, Reasa, I can see that. You don’t have to struggle any more. The pack will protect you. I will protect you.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to snap out that she didn’t need his protection, but she did. She was human now, frail and easily hurt as had so recently been demonstrated. Until she was immortal once more, she would need their protection and that was something she was just going to have to accept—for now.
Reasa rolled her shoulders and focused back on the task at hand. “The shields you wove earlier are very good. You learn quickly, so that should speed things along. Did you sample the emotions in the house when we were all together?”
A wide smile split his face and she had to stop herself from sucking in another deep breath. He lit up when he smiled—a different kind of beauty from the savage, feral animal he had been when she was hurt—but beautiful none the less. It concerned her that she was noticing how attractive he was. She had meant what she said; she was not his mate and never would be. Still, she was so enthralled it took her a moment to realise he was talking again.
“The emotions were there but so muted. They didn’t overwhelm me at all; in fact, they felt sort of comforting.”
“Good, that is the way it should be. I will teach you how to separate the emotions and apply them to each individual, but first you need to understand how a mind works, how to use the deftest of touches. I have years of experience but lack your strength. If someone has a very strong mind, they can keep me out without realising it. For this exercise, you will need to allow me into your mind.”
“My mind is always open to you, Reasa. You need never ask to join with me.”
His voice was filled with so much honesty and trust that, for a moment, all she could do was stare at him with her mouth open. Then she pulled herself together and gave herself a mental shake. If what he said was true, she could enter his mind and wipe it completely. He would put up no resistance, would allow her to do as she willed. If she really wanted to, she could finish what she started up at the Praetorian Compound, but she found herself oddly loathe to do so.
She told herself it was because the others would kill her on the spot if she harmed him, that she would never learn to Dream Walk or help the injured vampires. She would lose any chance of ever becoming immortal again. It had nothing to do with the fact that the male before her had defended her not once, but twice. No, it was about what she could gain from the situation, what she could learn to protect herself.
“You might find it easier if you close your eyes and just relax. I will keep my delving slow so you can follow what I’m doing within your mind. I will continue to talk out aloud as opposed to telepathic communication. It will help keep you grounded in reality. It is very important to remember that, when you delve, you are in the physical world as well as in the mind.”
When he obeyed her without question, she swallowed hard. She let her gaze trace his strong features, and for some reason her heart twisted at the trust he exhibited. He was probably at his most defenceless right now, and yet, he was completely relaxed. Oh, how she wished she could trust as easily as he did.
Reasa reached out with her mind, and slipped into Liam’s, passing his outer defences with agile precision as he laid himself bare to her. “You should view the mind as an infinite corridor with doors running down either side. Behind each door is a memory of the past or the present.” She breathed softly, smiling as he quickly grasped her meaning, and suddenly the long corridor was before her psychic self. The doors were brightly hued in a perfect rendition of a colour chart, from light to darker shades. He’d even placed numbers on the doors, though they were out of sequence numerically.
“Excellent, Liam. You have a wonderfully structured mind for one who is so strong in empathy. Usually empaths have a more random structure, the corridor twisting and turning haphazardly, flowing downwards and then rising sharply. It is a testament to your increasing control that you can formulate a more logical arrangement.”
“It feels easy to do this, Reasa. Should it be harder? Do you like the colours? I was initially thinking of white, but figured that would be too harsh on your eyes.”
She could feel his happiness and pride. Being in his mind amplified the emotions and she couldn’t help but smile at the almost childlike glow coming from him. He was happy because he had done something she approved of. While she smiled, a shiver of concern washed over her, which quickly began to escalate. He was projecting without realising it!
“Liam, dial back your emotions a bit. I know you’re pleased with your easy grasp of the concept, but you’re projecting that happiness onto me. I know I said you needed to let me in, but you do still need to maintain shields around your emotions. Projecting is dangerous as you’ve learned to your cost.”
Immediately, the building euphoria died down and Reasa felt more able to function under her own emotions. She took a moment to calm her racing heart, then she met Liam’s gaze and saw concern in his deep brown eyes. “It’s okay,” she quickly reassured him. “I’m fine, though I’m sure the others out in the main room will be wondering why they were suddenly walking around with silly grins on their faces for a moment.”
As if on cue, there was a knock on the door and Elina’s concerned head peeked in. “Is everything okay? Liam?”
“Sorry, Elle, I projected outwards without thinking. Everything is fine. I won’t do it again.”His cousin looked doubtful though she disappeared again, closing the door quietly.
“Oops,” Liam smiled with a chagrined expression, and a soft giggle escaped Reasa unbidden, as amusement danced in her eyes.
“Oops, indeed. Now concentrate. We need to get back to the task at hand.” She was surprised to find that instead of being annoyed at his mistake, she was actually enjoying the experience. She attributed it to the fact she’d never had the opportunity to explore her talent with anyone before. Truth be told, she was equally fascinated by Liam’s mental strength and what she could learn from him as he learned to control his powers. Anything that could benefit her was a good thing, at least, that was what she kept telling herself.
“As I was saying, behind each door is a memory, but some of them will actually contain a part of you. Those are usually grouped closely together, as they need to be close to make you into a whole individual. Someone fully in tune with themselves can gather all the fragments into one room, for want of a better word. The Dalai Lama has an amazing mind. He is one of those individuals. For the most part, everyone else has to make do with having their essence as closely packed together as possible. People with mental health issues generally are more scattered within their minds.”
“You’ve met the Dalai Lama and been inside his mind?”
“With his permission,” she sighed. “And that’s a story for another time. Will you please focus now?”
“Sorry, Reasa. This is all just so fascinating that I keep getting side-tracked.”
Reasa sighed again, her expression grave as she nudged at his knee until he opened his eyes to look at her. “You can’t get side-tracked when you’re in someone’s mind, Liam. You could damage them that way. You have to focus. If you won’t, then I cannot teach you. In fact, I will refuse to teach you if there is any hint you might endanger someone.”
It was hard not to soften a bit as she looked at his crestfallen expression, but she really needed to hammer home the point otherwise he could potentially cause devastation if let loose on his own.
“I want to learn,” he answered, his expression turning serious. “I don’t want to hurt anyone. The newness of all this just overwhelmed me for a moment. I promise I will do everything you ask of me, exactly as you say. Please teach me, Reasa. Please help me ensure I never again inadvertently hurt someone else.”
“Close your eyes,” she answered, her tone business-like, as she once more slipped back into his thoughts. She gave him a moment to regain his inner balance, and then she was staring down the endless corridor again, with its pretty coloured doors that looked just a tad muter in colour than they had before.
“The duality of your nature is a precursor to your essence being split. You are wolf and you are vampire; however, there is also a part of you that is human. Vampires and Weres try so very hard to ignore that fact. Never the less it is true, even if the human portion is so minute it is barely detectable. We need to find your different personas behind these doors, Liam. Only you know where they are, so you will need to guide me. With what has happened twice already, I believe that your essence is too fragmented. We must find you and bring you more into harmony with yourself. Only then will we be able to begin your training in earnest. Will you help me?”
*****
Liam heard the words and felt a tremor run through his body. His mate was asking for his help, but what she was asking for terrified him. Up until this moment, everything had been fun and exciting. His agile mind grasped the concepts she explained easily, even if he had made a bit of a mess a little earlier. However, what Reasa was asking of him now…he didn’t know if he could do it.
He knew precisely where his wolf was, that was a given. He had been in tune with his animal all his life and didn’t even need to think twice about what door that part of his persona lived behind. He could also detect the miniscule part of himself that was human, now that its existence had been brought to his attention.
But his vampiric side…that was the part that terrified him the most. That side of him had hurt his aunt! It was full of rage and consumed by the need to destroy. Although his wolf also shared some of those basic urges when threatened, the intensity of them paled in comparison to what his inner monster was capable of.
“I’m afraid,” he whispered, still feeling Reasa in his mind, and reaching out to her psychic presence with his own. “What if I can’t control it? What if I hurt you?”
“You didn’t the last time, Liam You may have not been aware of it, but you were able to exert some control over your vampire. Your speed at learning is exceptional. Twice the vampire has arisen, and twice you have learned from the experience. It’s time to face it again with the new knowledge you have to guide you. It doesn’t have to be right this very moment. We can start with the easier doors until you’re more confident in your abilities. In fact, let’s start with a few memories first.”
Reasa’s reassuring words helped and he grasped at the chance to put off the inevitable. Liam strode towards a pale yellow door and threw it wide open without hesitation…
*****
Girlish giggles echoed through the forest, and the wolf pup’s head rose sharply from the damp earth, tilting to the side to listen. It gave an excited bark and raced off into the trees towards the sound, the breeze caressing its deep auburn pelt. 
“Elle! Elle! Elle!” the wolf projected telepathically as it barked again and scampered ahead at full speed.
“You’re not supposed to let me know you’re coming, Liam,” his cousin giggled, as she hung upside down from a low branch. Multi-coloured hair brushed the moss beneath the tree as she swung, her legs hooked around the branch the only thing that prevented her from falling.
The pup burst into the clearing, yapping excitedly and jumping up to lick the little girl’s face, which sent her into another flood of giggling.
“Ugh, that’s wet! Stop it, Liam.”
Elina’s laughter caused her to lose concentration when the wolf jumped at her again, her body swaying with the impact. She forgot to maintain her grip with her legs and shrieked loudly when she fell from the branch.
In a flash, the wolf pup vanished, to be replaced by a little boy a couple of years older. Elina landed on top of him, her face showing concern when his breath whooshed out and he made a funny noise.
“Are you okay? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
Liam grinned and rubbed his stomach before giving her a hug. “I’m fine. You’re too teeny to really hurt me, and it was my fault you fell anyway.” He had meant to reassure his cousin but from the expression on her face, his words had clearly had the opposite effect as she rose to her feet and planted her hands on her hips.
“I am not too teeny! Mother says I am as strong and fast as everyone else in this pack, and I’m not to let anyone tell me any different. That includes you, Liam Eriksson. You’re family and family are supposed to stick together.”
“Jeez Louise, Elle! I didn’t mean anything by it. I know you’re super-fast and super-strong. You’re better than all the other kids in the pack. You’ve got Eriksson blood and we’re the best!”
Her expression lightened instantly and she smiled happily. “Yes we are! We’re going to grow up and be Alphas like Rafe and Lacey.”
Liam laughed at her determined expression, happy his cousin was smiling again. He loved seeing her smile. He would do anything to hear her laughter and often goofed around so he could. “I’m not so sure about being Alphas. Maybe we might make betas.”
“Mother says I can be anything I want to be if I set my mind to it. I’ll be Alpha if I want to be,” Elina said grandly, her little nose tilting up in the air. “And who is Louise?”
Liam laughed, as he jumped up and grabbed her hand. “It’s just an expression, like when I call you Elina the ballerina. Aaron Junior said it the other day and it made everyone laugh. I wanted to make you laugh.”
“You do make me laugh, Liam. You always make me laugh. You’re the best cousin ever.”
“Good, my job is done then.” Liam pulled her hand and they began to jog out of the clearing. “Just so you know…if we’re both Alphas we would have to be in different packs…”
“Okay…betas it is, then.”
*****
The memory faded as Liam closed the door, a hint of moisture in his eyes as he relived that day playing with his cousin. She had been so happy as a child, with her infectious laughter, and her fierce determination to be the best in everything she did. It hurt him to experience the moment, knowing that his beautiful cousin was so different now.
“I was an only child and we lived in a secluded region. I never had anyone to play with when I was little. Thank you for sharing that memory with me.”
Reasa’s quiet words twisted his heart painfully. He wanted to reach out and soothe her, but knew it was much too soon and she wouldn’t accept any solace from him just yet. He felt hopeful that she had chosen to share something of her own past with him. It was a beginning.
He moved to another door, another memory from his past. He took a deep breath and opened the dark blue door.
*****
The room was dark, the compound silent in the early hours of the morning. Someone was crying; someone was hurting so badly inside that it felt as if shards of glass were scraping along his chest, gouging deeply. The weeping continued, anguish so intense it was overwhelming, and all he could do was weep with her.
He tried to reach out with his mind, tried to find a way inside—but he was too little and her mind was strong. “Don’t cry,” he sobbed softly. “Please don’t cry. It will be okay. Everything will be okay, I promise.”
Had she heard him? He didn’t know but the sounds vanished swiftly and he was left alone in his own mind as if she’d never been there. Liam scrubbed at the tears on his face, rolled over in his bed, and gently rocked himself back asleep.
It was light when he opened his eyes again and he could hear Mommy making breakfast. He headed into the kitchen quietly, so quietly she didn’t hear him. Looking at his mother, he saw she had a strange look on her face and the moment he saw her, he was flooded by unfamiliar emotions again. His heart hurt, so much so, he started to cry.
“Liam, what’s wrong, sweetie?”
Mommy picked him up but it didn’t stop the pain. It didn’t stop the weeping that started again inside his head, a dull muted sound that wouldn’t go away.
“My heart hurts, Mommy,” he whispered into her neck. “It hurts so badly and it won’t stop.”
He could feel his mommy’s fear as she felt his head and ran her hands over his body. He knew she wouldn’t find anything because it wasn’t his pain he was feeling.
“Liam, tell me where it hurts, honey,” she asked, as she took him into the sitting room and sat on the sofa to cuddle him.
The sound of the front door made Mommy sigh with relief. Daddy was instantly at her side, his already weary expression turning to one of concern.
“What’s wrong with him?” he asked urgently, touching his son’s forehead but unable to find a fever.
Mommy bit her lip and shook her head. “I don’t know. He just keeps saying it hurts and pointing at his chest. I can’t find anything wrong with him though.”
“Liam, tell Daddy what’s wrong,” his father coaxed, cradling his face in his hands gently.
“Hurts here, Daddy,” Liam sniffed, his hand over his heart. “Always hurts here, but not this bad. Help her, Daddy. You have to help her.”
Mommy and Daddy shared puzzled looks as he tried to tell them what was wrong, his crying becoming stronger as the cutting feeling grew worse and worse.
“Help who, Liam?”  Mommy asked gently. “Who does Daddy need to help?”
Big tears rolled down his face, his eyes pleading with them as he looked up at his parents. “Aunt Freya,” he sobbed. “She hurts so bad, Mommy.”
*****
The memory was a hard one to re-live. Liam wasn’t surprised to find his cheeks wet as he closed the dark door. He had chosen that moment because he knew that Reasa related to his aunt on a level he couldn’t understand. He wanted her to see how important Freya was to him and just how overwhelmed he could become by others emotions.
“You were just a toddler at the time.” Reasa’s voice was barely audible and if he didn’t have enhanced hearing, he might have missed the words.
“My abilities were closely attuned to my family when I was younger. I always had a special affinity with my aunt, in particular, and that was why I sensed her pain so keenly at the time. It was as I grew older that everyone else’s emotions began to overwhelm me and it became unbearable.”
His hand touched another doorknob; this gateway a darker blue it was almost black. “My deepest shame,” he whispered, before throwing it wide open.
*****
He screamed over and over, as his young body thrashed wildly in the hospital bed. “Make them stop! Make them stop! Make them stop! Make them stop! Make them stop…!”
“Mallen, do something!” His mother screamed, as she held him down on the bed, nearly blinded by the tears running down her face. “Liam, I’m here, darling. Mommy’s here!”
“I gave him enough sedative to knock out a full grown Were,” the doctor said, his tone frantic. “Rafe, I don’t want to give him any more. It could put him into cardiac arrest!”
“Annie?” The deep baritone of his Alpha filled the room, followed by the musical lilt of his sister’s voice.
“I can’t reach him. His shields are too strong, but there’s also something wrong with them. He’s keeping me from psychically entering his mind and yet, he appears unable to construct a defence against pure emotion. I believe he’s feeling every emotion within the pack and most certainly the full impact of all of our emotions in this room. We need to get everyone out and as far away from him as we can.”
“I’m not leaving my son!”
Mommy was crying and her heart was hurting as badly as Aunt Freya’s had once hurt. He could feel his Aunt in the room and he reached out for her because she was the only one who felt cool, where everyone else was burning hot.
“Liam?”
“Make them stop, Aunt Freya. Make them stop!”
“Everyone leave the room…now!” His aunt bodily picked up his mother up from the bed as she fought against her. “Ashleigh, your terror is leaking all over him, you have to leave now. I will protect him, but you have to go!”
He curled up, and covered his ears with his hands in an attempt to make everything go away. The feelings subsided a little and he could think a bit more coherently. He could hear his aunt talking to the doctor, could distinguish their conversation.
“The safe room may be a better place to put Liam.”
“You think he’s going rogue?”
“No, Mallen, I was thinking there may be some benefit to the padded room being some kind of external buffer to the emotions he’s being subjected to. No nephew of mine will ever go rogue. Not as long as I live.”
“That may work. I’ll talk to Rafe.”
The emotions muted a bit more, and then lethargy overcame him. Now that he wasn’t being overloaded with emotions, the sedative the doctor gave him was finally able to take effect. Liam sank down into a deep oblivion.
When his eyes opened again, he was in the safe room. They’d all seen it before, their Alpha showed them every aspect of pack life, including the fact that sometimes Weres turned rogue and had to be locked away for both their own safety, and that of innocent people. Had he turned rogue? Was that why they’d moved his hospital bed into the safe room?
Liam rose slowly and surveyed his fifteen-year-old reflection in the two-way mirror. There was a wildness to his gaze that frightened him, but apart from that he felt as if he was sane enough. In the back of his mind, he could still feel the pack’s emotions but it wasn’t nearly as bad as it had been before, when he felt as if his head would burst.
The door to the room opened and Elina stepped inside. She was on the cusp of turning from child into a young woman, but the expression in her eyes made her appear much older. Her customary smile was missing, and in her eyes was a bleakness that he could see but couldn’t sense.
“Elle? What’s wrong?”
“You almost died, Liam,” she answered in a voice that was devoid of all emotion. “You were able to reach out to Mother and it was enough that the doctor was able to get you sedated and bring you here. It helped for a little while, but then you went wild again.”
He frowned at her, fear coursing through his body. “I don’t remember anything after the hospital room. What did I do?”
“It doesn’t matter. You didn’t hurt anyone apart from yourself and you have healed.” Elina moved to sit down on the side of the bed and he followed her. He reached out to sample her emotions as he sat down beside her. He knew it probably wasn’t a wise thing to do, but her lack of inflection was starting to concern him. He didn’t like seeing his cousin so serious.
“I’m shielded too tightly for you to feel anything,” she said quietly, turning her intent gaze on his. “Whatever help Mother was at the beginning quickly wore off, Liam. Everyone was certain we were losing you.  I snuck down one night to see you because I couldn’t bear to be apart from you any longer.” Her voice faltered and for a moment he thought she wouldn’t continue, then she took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “You were hurting yourself. You were in wolf form and you were biting at your own paws…you were trying to chew them off.”
Her voice had dropped to a whisper, and for a glimmer of a moment, he felt a strong surge of pain and then it vanished as quickly as it had come.
“I couldn’t let you do that. I couldn’t let you hurt yourself. I opened the door and came in, even though I’d been warned to stay outside and call an adult if you needed help. I did the only thing I could think of: I just threw my arms around you. I could feel you in my head, screaming relentlessly. It hurt my head, so I tried to push you out and something snapped into place. The adults think it may have been something to do with the fact that we connected before I was born. The shield I used protected me, but it also strengthened your own shield. When we are connected like this, I can help keep the overload at bay.”
Shock rippled through him, his astonishment so profound that for a moment he couldn’t quite grasp what she was telling him. Now that she’d mentioned the connection, he could feel her nestled quietly inside his head. Her presence wasn’t intrusive in any way; she wasn’t reading his thoughts or anything. She was just there, right where he imagined his mental barriers to be.
What he did notice was the utter calm she projected. He felt something similar around his aunt when she contained her emotions, but nothing nearly as strong as what he felt around his cousin. As his astonishment subsided, it was replaced by a dawning realisation….
“Elle, if you’re protecting me all of the time, then what about you?”
Big eyes met his and for another moment, the barriers she held wavered; he felt a shaft of pure love radiating outwards before it was cruelly extinguished in the next heartbeat.
“Aside from my parents, there is no one I love more than you, Liam. You are my family, my cousin, the brother I’ve never had. You have always protected me, always welcomed me into your life. You’ve never once chased me away because I’m younger than you or a girl, even now when you’ve started thinking about girls and what you can get up to with them. Now, I can finally do something for you, to repay everything you’ve ever done for me.”
“No! Elle! Not this!” Despite trying to hold them back, his eyes filled with tears as the full impact of what his beautiful cousin was willing to do crashed over him in a wave of despair. “You can’t sacrifice yourself for me, Elina. You just can’t.”
“It is only a sacrifice if I achieve nothing from it,” she smiled, but there was no warmth in the tilting of her lips. “I can’t lose you, Liam, I just couldn’t stand it if you were no longer in my life. This way I get to keep you and you get a chance at living a normal life.”
Liam was shaking his head, oblivious to his tears, and determined that she wouldn’t do this thing. “Your parents will never allow it. Rafe won’t allow it. When they find out what you’re doing…”
“They already know, Liam. There have been endless meetings about the subject. They’ve covered every possible angle and this is the only one that works. Mother said I am old enough to make my own decisions and Father has reluctantly agreed to it. I think they have realised my shields are too strong for them anyway, and they know there is nothing they can do to prevent it.”
“Elle...Elle, your beautiful smile…your laughter I love so much. You can’t give that up for me, not for anyone.” There was desperation in his voice as he gripped her hands hard, trying to get her to see sense.
“Then work on your shields, Liam. Work as hard as you can and one day you will hear my laughter again. For this moment though, keeping you sane is the most important thing and my mind will not be swayed from this course of action.”
He could see the truth in her eyes and knew there was nothing he could say that would dissuade her. Gathering his beautiful cousin in a bear-like hug, Liam wept...for both of them…
*****
“I should have argued more,” Liam sobbed, as he bowed his head to hide his shame. “I should have refused her, but the peace she brought to my soul was a balm I never thought I would ever experience. She gave up too much for me. I wasn’t worth that kind of sacrifice, not when I have gone on to do such terrible things.”
“A person’s worth is not how they perceive themselves but how others do. Elina clearly loves you, as do your parents and your pack.” There was a healthy dose of respect in Reasa quiet words, as well as a slight catch.
Liam turned his tear-stained face to look at her, but she was staring straight ahead, her eyes dry.
“I don’t want to do this anymore,” he ground out, leaving the psychic plane and opening his eyes. He was shocked to see his hands resting on top of the book, Reasa’s smaller hands wrapped around his.
She removed them, meeting his gaze with a neutral expression. “We need to continue what we’ve started. We need to heal the fragments of your soul before we can move on.”

 

Chronicles of a Vârcolac: Kothari's Journal Part 2

Chronicles of a Vârcolac: Kothari's Journal Part 1

A few months ago I asked my Canadian BFF if he would be so kind as to add some of his talented writing skills to my FTI world. In particular, I asked for three Journal's written by Kothari, one I needed quite soon and the others for Kothi's story which will be the next tale. 

Imagine my surprise when in my Christmas parcel from Canada...I had thirty handwritten Journals!!!!  

I asked for *dark* and *chaotic* thoughts from a male perspective, and what I received just blew me away #stunned.

So as a treat, I will give you each Journal in picture format so you might enjoy them as they were written. My Canadian knows where Kothari is journeying, and he has brought his thoughts to life exactly as I have pictured it.

Thank you my KBF!!! You so totally rock!!!! #superhugs

Enjoy

*
 

Tears of the Fallen Ch. 12 Teaser

Okay, here is the Teaser for Chapter 12 as promised. We are taking a little trip to Europe. On a side note, Dante is one of the winning characters from last year's Character Competition on Facebook, so let's hear it for our lovely La Chica! She submitted so many great characters I chose more than one. Well done, babes! 

* 
“You did well, Michael. I am very pleased with this turn of events. Do as the woman has bidden you.”

The voice inside his head was filled with pride, a soothing warmth that made the vampire sit a little straighter in the hard backed chair as the emotions washed over him. It meant everything to him to please his master. His pleasure washed away all other abuses he may have suffered or would come to suffer in his life.
“Should I tell Louis about the call, Master? He is very angry with Thereasa. He will likely send a team over there to assassinate her.”
“Yes, he may just do that.” There was indulgence in the tone, that bordered on amusement. “It is no matter if he does. I think it highly unlikely he will succeed and it will be good opportunity to test their defences. Ensure that you are in any party he may send over, Michael. I will need your eyes and ears.”
More pride flowed down the mental link, causing euphoria to envelop the weaker mind. Michael’s mental voice oozed zeal; an obedience so complete the other persona had to dial back the emotions it projected to avoid rendering the vampire useless.

The results were instantaneous, disappointment cutting through some of the euphoria.“Master, have I disappointed you in some way?”
“On the contrary, Michael, I am particularly pleased with everything that you have achieved. You have endured much in my name. Continue as you are, and I may allow you another taste of that which you crave.”
“Yes, my Master. I will ensure I am your eyes and ears over there. Might I taste before I leave?
There was so much hope in the words, so much yearning, the stronger mind felt a moment’s disgust. He quickly dampened it to avoid detection. “We will discuss it when you return, Michael. Now, do as I bade.”
The other presence vanished, leaving the vampire alone with his thoughts. Michael took a deep breath and turned his head to the side, stretching out with his enhanced senses. He was still alone in the office gym, and the enshrouding silence from the other rooms told him no one from the coven was near.
It was early morning and the others had yet to surface. He had chosen the time specifically to contact him, relieved to be afforded some time to discuss Thereasa’s call before Louis returned from his trip. His leader was due back this morning and Michael was sure he would be able to justify his lack of contact with the volatile French vampire. He blame it on security concerns...at least, he hoped so.
Louis was a law unto himself most of the time, unpredictable in the extremes. His fury at Reasa’s betrayal was a cold burning rage that had everyone treading on eggshells. He had punished Michael on his return, even though he’d carried out the orders he’d been given by both Reasa and his coven leader. Still, it hadn’t been enough to dampen Louis’ wrath at the fiasco in Edinburgh.
Memories of excruciating agony clouded Michael’s thoughts, and he had to bite his lip not to issue a hiss as his most painful lesson sifted through his mind. He pictured red-hot coals, stoked in the furnace until they glowed white; a deep incision slashed down his torso, into which the coals were placed before he was allowed to heal. Oh, how he had screamed as his internal organs burned from the coals; he had healed, regardless, and the process had been repeated so many times that his babbling became incoherent.

All the while Louis had sat on his makeshift throne atop the dais in his audience chamber. The rest of the coven were seated on opposite benches, eagerly watching the punishment being meted out. Michael saw the cold hazel eyes of his Leader, felt them boring into him as he lay spread-eagled, naked on the cold tiled floor. He had been bound as uncontrolled screams had been ripped from him, his wrists a bloodied mess as the inquisitor had plied his trade.
“Where is she?”
It had been the only question asked, and it was the one question he had no answer to. His inability to offer up an acceptable response didn’t stop it being repeated as his insides melted down from the flames within.
An intense hatred for Thereasa burned in Michael’s soul as the memories continued to play out like a broken records. It was her fault he’d been tortured, her fault he had been punished for the fiasco that had happened. He was glad he might be chosen for the mission Louis would most certainly order He would hunt the traitor down; when he got his hands on her, she would scream...longer, and far louder than he had ever screamed. By the time he was finished with Thereasa, she would yearn for death!                                                                                                                                      “Now that is an interesting expression, Michael. Pray tell me…just who is it that engenders such hatred in you?”
The colour leeched from the younger male’s face at the sound of the voice behind him.
“Louis! I did not hear you arrive home.” Michael’s voice shook slightly and he had to swallow hard before he turned around. His coven leader was leaning casually against the wall beside the French doors that led out into the garden.
Louis was one of the closest things the European covens had to an Ancient. No one still living knew his real age. They just knew that if anyone stood a chance of reaching the illustrious two thousand year mark, it would be the barely tame vampire that was waiting for his question to be answered.
His hazel eyes displayed a weary patience; his black, wavy hair brushed the collar of his leather jacket in its inimitable, haphazard style. He looked to be in his late twenties, but his eyes told another story. The hard angles of his face held an austere beauty, the slash of his lips a harbinger to the cruelty that could be summoned at the drop of a hat. Everything about Louis St. Geraint spoke of power, a power that he did nothing to conceal His expression hardened further as he struggled to hide his escalating irritation.
“I asked you a question, vampire.”
His cold tone had Michael swallowing hard again. “Please forgive me, Louis,” he stammered. “I was startled at your arrival. I received a telephone call yesterday…from Thereasa. I was thinking of her when you arrived.”
The other vampire moved so quickly Michael had no chance to protect himself. Not that he would have been foolish enough to try to, he would never have dreamed of attacking Louis. Michael may have been prepared enough that he could have mitigated some of the damage. As it was, both arms snapped painfully and his spine shattered as Louis pounded him into the opposite wall.
“You didn’t think this was something I needed to know immediately?”
*****
Louis’s icy tone appeared incongruous with the venom in his expression as his talons dug into Michael’s throat and left him gurgling.
“Answer me!”
“Uh, Louis, it might be easier for him to answer if you weren’t choking the life out of him.”
For a second there was only silence and then the coven leader slowly turned to survey the new arrival.
“I thought I told you never to come here again.” The words were issued in the same cold tone, their warning explicit.
The other male merely smiled, as he ran a hand through his short dark, wavy hair; almost a mirror image of the irate vampire before him.
“Maybe you should be thanking me for passing through. That is, if you wish to glean any information from that vampire you’re about to decapitate.”
His words sank in and Louis swung back around to look at Michael. With an annoyed growl, he let go of him and watched him sink down to the floor in a boneless heap.
“What do you want, Dante?”
“Like I said, I was just passing through the area and heard there had been a little excitement recently. I was intrigued when I heard it was your coven, Louis. It’s not like you to have problems.”
Dante entered the room fully, ignoring the recovering vampire as he kept his gaze firmly on the Frenchman. It was never wise to take one’s eyes off the deadliest predator in the room, and he was certainly no fool. Louis was barely in control, and appeared more volatile than usual. Something was amiss, something he had been sensing for a long time though unable to determine the cause.
So far, he hadn’t been successful in ferreting out anything useful, despite his endless travels. He knew there was a danger out there, something that could bring harm to all of the covens in Europe. As soon as he’d heard talk of trouble in Louis’ coven, he’d come back immediately. This was the most stable coven in the area and if it was being affected…the instrument of that disaffection had to be nearby.
“My coven is none of your business. I suggest it remains so; otherwise I may have to reconsider our non-aggression pact, Castillo. You did me a service once in the past. Do not presume that gives you carte blanche to become involved in matters that are none of your concern.”
Sitting down behind the desk, Dante levered the chair backwards until it rested against the wall. “Perhaps I can assist you once more? Has that not occurred to you, Louis? I hear you have recently lost one you valued highly. Perhaps I can fill that role for a short time until you find a more permanent replacement?”
At his words, the other vampire stilled completely. There wasn’t even an indication he was drawing breath as his eyes darkened to the point of turning feral. “Just what have you heard?”
Righting the chair, Dante turned serious, and allowed his true thoughts to show. “Be calm, my friend. The rumours are not common knowledge…yet. You know that I have a discreet network covering most of Europe. I picked up small snippets here and there and managed to weave them together to form a more complete picture. For the moment, none of the other covens are aware of the dissent within yours, and I came here in an effort to keep it that way.”
The Frenchman regarded him intently for a long moment, searching his open expression for any sign of deceit, and then he slowly relaxed and pulled up a chair to sit down. Behind him, the younger male was moving to make himself more comfortable against the wall as his body slowly healed from the damage inflicted.
“You ask for trust, when in the same breath you admit to having spies everywhere. Who are you, Dante, and why do you have such an interest in my coven?”
A low chuckle escaped from Dante’s lips unbidden, though his expression clouded. “You know who and what I am, Louis. You have always known that. You just can’t understand me, and therefore you search for something that is not there.”
Distrust remained in the coven leader’s eyes. “You expect me to believe that all you are is a reluctant vampire living his life in constant penance? That your sole intent is to move from coven to coven and help where you deem it necessary?” Louis barked out a laugh, devoid of any humour.
“Vampires are not altruistic, Castillo. Even those across the water who believe themselves better than us still do what they do for their own benefit. They may try to convince themselves otherwise, but they are lying to themselves. There is no we in vampire. Everything we do is ultimately for our own selfish needs.”
“I know you believe that, my friend, which is why I said you do not understand me,” Dante sighed, and leaned on the desk, his expression still clouded. “I do not lie to you, Louis. I am who I am; a reluctant vampire.”
He then smiled as a glint of humour danced in his pale brown eyes. “I quite like that. It sounds suitably tragic. However, we digress from the point of my being here. Your coven has lost a high-ranking member, and when I arrived, you were interrogating your subordinate. How may I assist you?”
He waited for his friend to weigh up his options. Louis wasn’t a fool and hadn’t lived so long by being weak. All through his coven’s history he had aligned himself with the strongest of vampires, choosing his allegiances wisely to build up his powerbase The Frenchman was now in  the enviable position of having the strongest of covens and had no further need to seek alliances with some of his past cohorts. Maybe he would decide he didn’t need Dante’s help after all.
The silence stretched out longer and then finally Louis snapped his fingers at the young male. “Come here, Michael.”
The blond vampire rose on unsteady feet and painfully made his way closer. “This is Dante Castillo. He takes Thereasa’s position until I say otherwise. You will obey him as my second.” He didn’t wait for any sign of agreement. His entire coven knew better than to question one of his edicts.
His intent gaze turned back to the new arrival. “So, tell me what you think you know.”
A small smile settled across Dante’s lips as relief coursed through him. The odds had been fifty/fifty that Louis would accept his help. It was gratifying that he had. He ran an experienced eye over Michael and noted his healing was almost complete, though there was a shadow of fear still lingering in his eyes.
His gaze swung back to Louis. “It would appear you have drawn the eyes of the Northern American vampires to us. You’ve garnered the attention of none other than Demetri Bozic, himself, from what I’ve managed to learn. I’m intrigued as to why you have suddenly decided you want to tangle with Ancients, my friend. It’s not like you to be so reckless.”
“It was a simple information-gathering exercise which turned sour,” Louis growled, his eyes flashing with fury. “I presumed Thereasa could handle the imbeciles I sent with her, but she failed and it got out of hand. There was never any intention to tangle with the Ancients. The coven leaders merely wanted to know what was happening with the mixed matings and their offspring. Michael here, and the recently departed Bruce, became overly zealous in their task. Reasa was supposed to clean up the mess, but it appears she found her own fervour unexpectedly and decided to take matters into her own hands.”
He snapped his fingers at the younger male. “Speak.”
Michael swallowed hard in fear and also to test that his throat had healed enough to work. His voice shook as he began to talk. “Thereasa telephoned yesterday. She said she was being held captive in one of the wolf packs that are aligned with the vampires over there. She demanded to be rescued, said she had something to tell you that was a threat to all the covens. The call was interrupted. I heard her scream before the line went dead.”
Dante remained quiet, as he mentally added the extra information to what he’d already gleaned. The covens had suddenly decided to work together to determine the threat level from across the pond? Never, in all of European history, had the covens ever worked together for anything. Louis meant it when he said there was no we in Vampire. The fact that the coven leader had unwittingly offered the information—without appearing to understand the implications of it—definitely set off warning bells.
Thereasa had always been passionate, from what he remembered of her. One of the reasons he had liked her so much had been her unwavering loyalty to not only her coven, but also her leader. Now she was recklessly endangering her family? That was what the coven signified to her: the family that she had lost all those centuries ago, something she would have gladly sacrificed herself for. Had she discovered something so frightening that it was enough to cause her to abandon everything she held dear?
The more he heard, the more unanswered questions there were, and the more his unease grew. Something was very wrong and it appeared he was the only one who could see it. Perhaps he should go and visit the Ancients? Maybe they would have the answers he was seeking and he was wasting his time in Europe? It was definitely something he would consider; but for the moment, the threat level still felt too close to home.
“Are you intending to rescue the girl?”
Louis growled loudly and stood up, his chair crashing to the floor. “Betrayal does not warrant a rescue, but she can’t be left there. She knows too much about my coven, she knows all our safe houses and where I would most likely settle if they were compromised.”
Hazel eyes turned to Michael and bore into him mercilessly. “You deserve no reward for having failed me, vampire; however, I believe your hatred for Thereasa is second only to mine. Assemble a team. When you have, Dante will approve your selection and you will find Thereasa and kill her. Do not return until you have her head to show me.”
Michael stood up straighter, his eyes glowing with an emotion that was hard to define. His lips curled into the semblance of a smile as he nodded his head in agreement. “As you command.” Without another word, he turned and hurried from the office.
“Is that wise, Louis? You’ve just said he failed you before and this mess is largely his doing. Can you trust him to do as you want?” Dante was curious to why his friend had chosen the younger male. He had been expecting to be sent himself.
“All the more reason to send him,” the Frenchman answered, the first hint of a smile crossing his face. “He knows death awaits him if he fails me again, and I am fairly certain Reasa will die at his hands if he’s able to reach her. And if he does fail…well the Ancients will take care of him and I won’t have to deal with him any further.”
“Won’t that leave Thereasa alive if he fails? Won’t your coven still be at risk?”
Louis turned to walk out of the office, and Dante followed him into the main gym area, which was beginning to fill up with coven members arriving to train.
“If she intended to betray the coven, we would all be dead already, Dante. Whatever her reasons were for doing what she did, there is one thing I am willing to bet my life on and that’s Reasa would never betray this coven.”
“Then why kill her? You told Michael she had to die to keep the coven safe.”
The expression on the Frenchman’s face was chilling as he turned to look back at the one male he would have called friend, if he could ever trust anyone that much. “Because she betrayed me, and the penalty for that will always be death.”

Tears of the Fallen Ch. 11 Teaser

“Annie! You’re back. For a moment there I thought someone had broken into the bookstore.”
Ashleigh’s voice shattered Rhianna’s concentration, and she glanced up from her book, startled by the other woman’s arrival. It was still early, just past six thirty. She hadn’t expected Ashleigh to arrive for at least another hour and a half.
“And you’re here very early. Did Nors kick you out of bed?” There was a teasing note to her voice as she set the book beside her on sofa and stretched to get some of the kinks out of her neck. She’d arrived at the bookstore a couple of hours ago, unable to sleep and not wanting to disturb Caleb. He appeared to be getting the first decent night’s sleep since they’d been apart; it had seemed a shame to disturb him with her restlessness. The bookstore had offered the perfect place for some uninterrupted solitude as she began reading the two books Anakatrine had selected. She just hadn’t figured on Ashleigh coming in so early.
Truth be told, she had missed the comfort she’d always found in the bookstore. As a vampire, her appearance no longer aged so being there daily had no longer been an option. It had been almost 15 years since her last visit. The running of the shop had been handed over to the pack, with different members rotating every few years to keep suspicion to a minimum.  Ashleigh had taken the first five, and had just recently resumed that role again. Her youthful appearance meant she could pass as a younger relative if need be, but so far none of the patrons had appeared to notice anything unusual.
Rhianna knew that they would have to sell the place soon. The mere thought of it broke her heart, but keeping their secret was more important. She knew it would break Ashleigh’s too, and that was the reason the younger woman had asked to be the final manager.  The blonde wolf had come to find the same inner peace in the bookstore as she did. It had helped her cope with the loss of her family, and it appeared to be a safe haven for her as she struggled with her current dilemma.
Rhianna hadn’t realised just how much she’d missed her sanctuary until she’d seen Anakatrine’s library. It was only then she’d realised that she shared the same love of books as the vampire Queen.  Anakatrine had owned an extensive library. Rhianna had chosen to open a bookstore when she’d first lost Rafe. The synchronicity wasn’t lost on her, nor was the feeling that a sense of closure hung in the air.  She didn’t want to think of that at the moment though, and was glad when her friend spoke.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Ashleigh sighed, running a hand through her wispy, blond hair. Dark, black circles shadowed her eyes and her face was etched with a deep frown. It was clear that she was struggling with the torrent of recent events.
“Same here.” Rhianna picked up an empty coffee cup from the table in front of her as she rose from her seat. “Coffee?”
Ashleigh nodded, her expression softening as she sat down on the sofa. Her eyes unconsciously scanned over the snug area of the bookstore where patrons could sip coffee while sitting on comfortable seats to read. It was her favourite part of the shop.  Floor to ceiling bookcases separated it from the main part of the store, offering a semblance of privacy. She sat here often when she had things on her mind. “Have you seen Rafe yet?”
“I called him last night and let him know I was home. I had some things to do before I headed over, some research that may help us.” Rhianna returned with the coffees and set them down on the table. She took a seat next to her friend, her expression sympathetic. “Rafe told me you’re having a hard time with what’s been happening. Do you want to talk about it? I imagine you may have some things you would like to say to me personally, as I played such a large part in what occurred up at the Praetorian Compound.” Her tone was soft and encouraging; she realized that the emotions her friend was experiencing were in stark contrast to her normally sunny disposition, and therefore, part of her struggle.
There was a long silence as Ashleigh appeared to try to verbalise what was running through her mind before she sighed and ran a hand through her hair again. “I’ve often wondered how you do what you do and make it seem so easy, Annie. I don’t think any of us have ever realised how hard it is for you…not until now. I think I can understand a little, because I am so torn with everything that’s happened.”
She turned haunted brown eyes to the vampire. “Part of me was so angry that you didn’t allow Caleb to kill Thereasa, though I knew you must have had a reason for it and it would have hurt Liam to his very core. I know that’s wrong, but I still had those feelings. I’ve been working on understanding—or trying to—but it’s been hard having that woman in my home with Liam claiming her as his mate. I want Liam to be happy, but not with her.”
Ashleigh swallowed hard and reached for her coffee, needing something to occupy her hands. “Annie, to have such hatred for that woman in my heart, knowing that I’m hurting my son, is ripping me apart. I don’t know how to reconcile all these conflicting emotions. I want to be there for Liam, yet I find myself pushing him further away. I can’t bear the thought of losing him, but I can’t find it in my heart to forgive Reasa either.”
The self-loathing evident in Ashleigh’s voice weighed heavily on Rhianna.  She stood up and took a few steps away, before pacing back towards the sofa, her heart filled with empathy for her friend. “I don’t always understand why Anakatrine chooses to do what she does. I just know she has a reason for it and I have to have faith in her. There is no denying that Thereasa has made mistakes, some truly appalling ones, but there is good within her.”
Kneeling before Ashleigh, Rhianna gently removed the cup from her hands so she could hold them tightly. “You know it’s natural to have these feelings, Ash. You almost lost your son and there is nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her child. You should spend less time beating yourself up for feeling this way and accept that it’s okay to be human.”
“I’ve tried, Annie. I’ve tried so hard, but I can’t see anything beyond the fact that she came here to murder my son.”
Ashleigh’s confession was full of misery. It was heart-rending to hear the conflict, the raw pain in her voice. “Stop and think of who you are…what you are, honey. You are pack and you are wolf. The mating instinct is a part of you; it shapes you personally and it shapes every Were in existence. The Vârcolac follow that same mating instinct. For Liam’s wolf to choose Thereasa means there is something worth choosing. She completes him, Ash. He needs her to help him with his empathic abilities and she needs him, too.”
Rhianna reached up to cup her cheek soothingly.  “You found it in your heart to accept Freya—and Thereasa isn’t all that different from her. You welcomed Freya into your life for Nors’ sake and you saw how his love, and Dayton’s, was able to free her goodness.  Your capacity to love and feel compassion is what makes you so unique, Ashleigh Bryant. You passed down that same love and compassion to your son. Trust in Liam. He knows what is right for him, just as much as Day did when he finally stopped resisting Freya. Thereasa will save three souls; Liam will save so many more with her at his side.”
Her cryptic words were intended to create curiosity and they succeeded. Ashleigh’s troubled expression turned quizzical, her head tilting to the side. “What do you mean?”
Rhianna smiled, quickly mulling over the pros and cons before she spoke again. “Honestly, I shouldn’t really say anything, because this hasn’t been discussed with anyone yet. Caleb and Gard know bits and pieces, but maybe this is something you need to know more than everyone else does right now. Perhaps this information will help you as much as it will Liam and Reasa.”
Sitting beside her, she leaned over to retrieve the book she’d set aside earlier. It was old and leather bound, and she stroked it gently as she considered her next words. “Liam’s abilities, his empathy, are like nothing we’ve encountered before.  Oh, I know Anaktrine’s magical power seems limitless, but it appears her role is one of guidance for now. She is content to step in, but only when she feels there is no other option. While I was away I dreamed, Ash, and in those dreams I discovered that the vampire Queen had hidden away some of her library, hoping to transport those irreplaceable books to the future, to our time.”
The other woman regarded her with a confused expression. “Why would she do that?”
“Ana was always looking toward the future; she realised, so long ago, that there would come a time when we would need to unlock the knowledge bound between their pages.” Rhianna sighed softly, still stroking the book on her knee. “Gard has been the custodian of the books since the deaths of the King and Queen. He has recreated a portion of the library to store them, and he took me there recently. This book, Ash...I’ve been reading it for a couple of hours now. I can just feel that it will help Liam and so many others.”
Ashleigh was peering down at the book, her full attention riveted to what her friend was saying. If something could help her son, she wanted to know about it. “I can’t read the title. What language is that?”
Rhianna smiled, staring off into the distance for a moment, as if reliving a memory. “It didn’t occur to me that no one would be able to read them. Caleb and I can read them easily, but I assume that was most likely due to Anakatrine and Callain’s memories. The books were translated into the modern tongue of each era, as the ages passed. I believe this text is a version of Hattic and the title translates to Soul Searching.”
“Soul Searching?”
“I couldn’t understand why Ana picked this book out when I left the selection to her, but I’m beginning to now.” Rhianna’s expression held more than a hint of excitement; she was unable to keep it from her voice. “Ashleigh, the vampire race has changed so much over the millennia. From what I can understand—long before Anakatrine was born—they were more of a cerebral race. They had a range of mental powers that have long since been forgotten.”
“But they still have some of those powers,” her friend countered. “I know nobody really uses them for anything specific, but can’t Alexei mask his scent? Andrei…he can conceal when he is lying. There are other vampires who can spot deception, aren’t there? There must be other skills available too?”
Rhianna nodded, conceding the point. “There are still those who have managed to retain some of their enhanced mental abilities, but they pale in comparison to what the books tell us we once were capable of mastering. It’s as if we’ve regressed to the point that those powers seem…useless.”
She turned to face her friend, her lavender eyes aglow with excitement. “Don’t you see, Ash? Liam’s gift isn’t a newone; it’s an old one that has been given back to us.” She let that thought sink in as she watched the small blonde’s eyes widen in shock.
“His particular skill was a rarity, even back then, but it was one of the most powerful ones in existence. Empathy was predominately used as a counselling tool to help others, but there were those who viewed it as a very dangerous weapon.  An elite group of Elders and Ancients existed who had the talent to Dream Walk…well according to the book there were.”
“What’s that?” Ashleigh queried in a hushed tone.  The tiniest spark of hope ignited inside her as she continued. “If this book could somehow help Liam…maybe he won’t have to suffer anymore.”
“From what I’ve read so far, a dream walker can enter a mind and travel within another person’s sub consciousness, their dreams, on the psychic plane. I hadn’t read much beyond that point before you arrived, but the applications could be limitless. We know Reasa has strong empathic powers. There has to be others out there who share this ability. Maybe this method could be used to help the injured vampires at the Praetorian compound?”
Ashleigh’s mind whirled as a burst of chaotic thoughts rushed through her head. Her heart picked up a beat and there was hope in her eyes as she looked at Rhianna. “Reasa’s the only one who can calm Liam and help him shield when he has an episode. If she can teach him her skills, it will help to calm his mind. Together, you’re thinking they will able to do this dream walking thing?”
Rhianna smiled widely, nodding as her friend grasped the importance of the situation. “Maybe they could, Ashleigh. They may have the potential to wake up the Praetorians—or at least allow us to know if there is any hope for them.”
Ashleigh rose and paced over to the window to look out into the street. She was both excited and confused by what she’d learned. If what Rhianna said was true, it would be difficult to deny that Liam may actually need Reasa’s help. Also, she couldn’t ignore that Freya had done some reprehensible things in her past; in spite of that fact, she had come to love her sister-in-law with all her heart. Forgiveness wasn’t an easy concept for her to consider, but she’d already lost so many that were dear to her heart.
Liam needed Ashleigh as well as Reasa, more now than he’d ever needed her before. Was it such a leap of faith to step back and consider that maybe Reasa had to use her empathy adversely just to survive over in Europe? What did she really know about Thereasa’s life and what she had endured till now? She’d made no attempt to find out what motivated the former vampire. Annie was right, it was time to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Turning slowly, she stared at the petite redhead sitting on the sofa watching her in silence. Annie had risked everything for what was right. She was the bravest person Ashleigh had ever met, and that had nothing to do with the soul of the vampire Queen that lived within her. It was time for Ashleigh to be just as brave, and just as determined to do the right thing.
A soft smile crossed her face and she nodded her head. “What can I do to help, Annie?”
*****
Rhianna and Ashleigh headed over to the pack compound once Rowan showed up at the bookstore. Aaron and Jen’s daughter liked helping out on a part-time basis while she was finishing off another degree at the university. The latest venture was in teaching; the first one had been in computer science. Though she enjoyed all things computer related, she’d realised that wasn’t the type of career she wanted. She appeared much happier since she switched paths, and enjoyed helping out with the children’s story time session at the bookstore.
As Rhianna pulled up outside her brother’s house, she wasn’t surprised to see him waiting in the doorway. It was as if he had known she was on her way over, and it made her lips quirk in a small smile to see him standing there.
He strode to the car and had the door open even before she’d managed to take off her seatbelt. “Are you okay?”
“Rafe, I told you last night I was fine.” She laughed as she was scooped up in a big bear hug, and returned his embrace with as much fervour. It never seemed to matter to him that she was a vampire and technically stronger than he was. She would always be his baby sister to protect. “You worry too much.”
“That’s my job,” he answered with a lop-sided grin, turning to greet Ashleigh as she joined them. “I thought you were working at the bookstore today.”
“I was, but Annie had some important things to discuss that affect Liam.  Rowan is taking care of the shop for the time being.”
Rafe turned a quizzical gaze on his sister who gave him one of her enigmatic smiles. “All in good time,” she grinned. “Caleb’s on his way over, so I want to wait for him. However, you can tell me how you managed to get your mate pregnant again without me knowing about it.” There was laughter in her voice which prompted a wide grin to spread over her brother’s face.
“I really need to tell you the facts of life? Thought you and Caleb had that one nailed down already, but if you need some pointers…”
“He’s been insufferable since we found out the babies are okay,” Lacey laughed, as she proceeded out of the house to give her sister-in-law a big hug. There was more than a hint of amusement in her voice as she looked at her smug mate. “He’s been strutting around like a proud peacock.”
Her teasing had the Alpha grinning as he gathered her to his side and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “Don’t let her fool you, Annie. She’s been lapping up all the attention the pack’s been giving her, too.”
The happiness exuding from the couple was warm and soothing. Rhianna’s answering smile was full of love as she gave each of them another quick hug. This was her family; when they were happy, she was happy. Things could have gone so much differently, and she was relieved that everything was okay.
“I need to head over to lessons, so I’ll catch up with you later.” Lacey disentangled herself from them and disappeared into the community hall, leaving the others to head into the Alpha’s study.
“Nors is over at the new warehouse preparing it for Monday’s opening,” Rafe said as he ordered coffee and breakfast to be brought to his study and sat down in the armchair beside the fireplace. “Do we need him here?”
A lot of the older businesses were being shut down or changing hands. The pack and the vampires were consolidating their finances and redistributing them into new ventures.  Immortality and longevity were all well and good, but living longer required them to reinvest and reinvent themselves every so often.
“Ashleigh can fill him in later or if we need him, we can give him a call to come home.”
Rhianna was interrupted briefly when Lily knocked on the door and entered the study. She was carrying a laden tray and the Alpha immediately rose to take it from her. “You shouldn’t be carrying this in your condition.” There was disapproval in his tone, but also a trace of pride. He knew his errant pack member wasn’t required to do breakfast duties, but she was there every morning, usually before the other pack members’ were awake.
“I’m pregnant, Rafe, not sick.” The Vârcolac laughed, though her pleased smile let everyone know that his concern for her well-being was appreciated.
“You’re wasting your breath there,” Annie chuckled as she rose to give the younger woman a hug. Her eyes travelled over her face with intent before she smiled again, clearly pleased with what she saw. “Impending motherhood suits you.”
“We’ll revisit that in another month or so when I suddenly balloon out to the size of a house,” Lily quipped as she turned and left the room, passing Caleb on his way in.
“Are you trying to irritate me?” the vampire grumbled as he headed straight for his mate and wrapped her up in his arms. “You’re not even home for twenty-four hours and I wake up to find myself alone in our bed.”
Rhianna laughed at his peeved tone and cuddled closer to ease his separation anxiety. It was going to take her a while to alleviate her mate’s distress when she wasn’t at his side. She would have to put up with it until he was once again convinced he wasn’t about to lose her. “You needed the rest and I couldn’t sleep because of what we’ve discovered. I was only at the bookstore, Caleb. Not that far away.”
“Does someone want to tell me what you’ve discovered, and why we’re gathered here?” Rafe’s droll tone had everyone turning to look at him and it was Caleb who replied.
“I think your guess is as good as mine. When I went to bed, very little had really been discovered; however from Annie’s expression, it appears she knows something more?” Caleb phrased it as a question, moving to sit down and help himself to some coffee. He poured a cup for his mate.
As Rafe and Ashleigh grabbed some food, Rhianna quickly apprised her brother of Anakatrine’s rediscovered library and the books they hoped would help them deal with the European threat. The alpha’s expression turned incredulous the more information she imparted.
“Dream Walking?” Caleb echoed, when his mate got to that part of her discovery. He felt a bubble of hope well up inside at the mere possibility of help for the injured vampires.
“I think Liam and Reasa should have this.” Rhianna patted the leather-bound book on the coffee table where she’d placed it when she’d arrived. “I’ll have to use a spell to translate the text into English so they can read it, but that shouldn’t be hard. They are the ones who know most about their abilities. It makes sense that they would be the logical choices to read it through and determine what they can or cannot do.”
“You’re forgetting one little thing, Annie. Reasa is our prisoner, whether she is Liam’s mate or not. No one knows what kind of harm she could cause with this new knowledge. From what I understand, you didn’t strip her empathic abilities when you took her immortality.” There was a healthy dose of caution in Rafe’s tone as he frowned at the thought. He didn’t even blink at the fact she was going to employ magic to perform the translation.
His sister frowned too, pursing her lips as she regarded him. “Yes, she needs to be watched. I’m not disputing that fact; but how is she ever supposed to integrate with the pack if she continues to feel like an outsider, Rafe? Reasa has a strong affinity for vampires even though she’s no longer one. Providing her with the opportunity to help the casualties at the Praetorian Compound will give her a purpose. That’s something she is clearly lacking right now. It will also give her the chance to work with Liam and get to know him as a person.  It’s a calculated risk in my opinion.”
“She’s already contacted someone outside the pack,” Ashleigh countered. “We don’t know the consequences of that yet. If Reasa can move around more freely, won’t that grant her the potential to place Liam in harm’s way? What if someone comes to rescue her?”
“I think we can all agree that Liam doesn’t need any protecting,” Caleb sighed, giving the younger woman a rueful smile. “On the contrary it’s the rest of us who need protection from him. I’m in agreement with Annie. We always use the tools that fit the job, and this empathy thing is what Liam and Reasa do best.”
Rafe nodded. Since the issue at Freya’s, he had been reassessing what was best for the pack; it was clear to him that separating Liam and Reasa would only lead to another episode. He in no way trusted the former vampire, but it was hard to dispute Annie’s reasoning. They would have to ensure that Reasa was closely monitored. That would mean putting their stronger-willed personnel on the task, and relying on Liam to retain enough pack loyalty to back them up if she proved stronger than anticipated. He’d already considered allowing them to go up to the Praetorian Compound.
“Fine, it’s agreed then. Liam and Reasa will research the book. They’ll also be permitted to go up to the Praetorian compound to see if they can be of any assistance. I want a Vârcolac presence around them though, just to ensure Reasa can’t manipulate any vulnerable minds to attempt escape.”
“Lily could be excused from kitchen duties,” Rhianna suggested. “She will want to be there for Brandon in case he wakes. Kallum will also want to be present, as he’s partial to the Praetorians. We could send Elina and Kothari too?”

 "I’m agreeable to that,” Rafe confirmed with another nod of his head. “I doubt any of the Vârcolac will have an issue with helping out.”

They talked a little longer, finishing breakfast as they discussed the best timing for the trip to the Praetorian compound. Despite some concerns, there was an air of excitement in the room. Things appeared to be moving, swinging in favour of the pack-vampire alliance. Whoever it was in Europe that had orchestrated the current conflict had no idea the consequences those actions were about to unleash.

Destiny's Flight

Destiny’s Flight
There were seven deadly sins in the world, and Destiny was sure she harboured most of them. Ordinarily, that wouldn’t be too much of a problem for most, but in her case, it sucked.
Angels were supposed to be pure of heart, kind and benevolent beings. Their wings were white or soft pastel shades to reflect this, and they guided their humans towards rich, fulfilled lives. The Castaways were different though, not quite bad enough to be tossed down into Lucifer’s dominion, but tainted enough that they hovered on the outskirts of their more illustrious brethren.
Destiny’s wings were a deep, crimson red; her hair matching their vibrant hue, her skin a pale alabaster white. As if the darker colours were not enough to brand the Castaways, they each sported a mark of some kind, a tattoo that screamed out their origin. Destiny’s was flames of black and red that encompassed her left eye and flowed across her cheek.
The Castaways could shade their wings and hair colour for brief periods to fit in with their brethren, but the one thing they couldn’t mask was their highly visible marks. It was His way of ensuring they would always be known. Some of the Castaways raged against this perceived injustice, however Destiny didn’t mind. She embraced her mark as she did her very existence. It was part of who she was and she refused to be ashamed of it.
He had a reason for everything He did. Of that, Destiny was in no doubt. While some of her fellow Castaways looked towards Lucifer’s Kingdom longingly, others stared into the brightness of His Majesty. The darker Castaways believed all was lost, that there was only one course of action open to them. They had forgotten just who He was. They had forgotten that he gave all living creatures a choice.
Perhaps it was because her hue wasn’t as dark that she remembered more than some. Destiny wasn’t sure if that was the case, but she clung onto that belief as stubbornly as she flaunted her mark to her disapproving kind.
The rustle of wings and a darkening of the air around her was the only warning that she got before Cracken alighted beside her. The waters of the lake shimmered and darkened as the huge black winged Angel destroyed her peace and quiet.
“Still wishing?” Cracken asked, his deep, cold voice laced with derision. It was nothing personal so she didn’t take offence, merely shrugging her shoulders at his remark. No matter what words were spoken by the black Angel they all came out in the same tone. He was closer to Lucifer’s Kingdom than most, and that was reflected in all his mannerisms.
A lazy smile graced her exquisite features as she turned to view her friend. His wild raven locks fell haphazardly over his smooth brow, his black eyes shining with a cold humour. Cracken was beautiful, there was no mistaking that, but beneath that beautiful exterior was a cruelty that was effervescent. He could wound as easily as he could laugh, and he didn’t particularly care which one he did. Regardless of that, he was her closest friend, the one person with whom she could truthfully be herself.
“Always,” she smiled, casting her gaze back to the lake and supressing a sigh as the vista shifted towards the more insidious elements of human life. It was to be expected as Cracken was near, but it still vexed her no end. The darker the Angel, the more powerful they were and the portals to Earth shifted to their proclivities.
That was another anomaly that He had set in place, one the True Angels, as they called themselves, often questioned when He was focused elsewhere. The Castaways were stronger but they were also fewer. Utilising that strength would be foolhardy and therefore they chose not do, otherwise they would speed their descent into Lucifer’s dominion. Even Cracken, who stared wistfully into that abyss, wasn’t quite ready to give up his dream of living in the Light.
“Still lusting after your human?”
Destiny did sigh then, casting a sideway glance at Cracken before rising and stretching out her crimson wings. She had been sitting for a long time trying to find him, that glorious male who tempted her lust beyond measure. “Mind your own business.”
The black Angel laughed, a cold, sinister sound that sent a shiver down her back. “Isn’t it my business when the one I fuck every day lusts after another?” There was steel in his tone, danger lacing every word.
It made Destiny laugh, and she threw her head back, her riotous flame coloured hair cascading down her back. “You don’t care one iota for me, Cracken. I am one of many you take to your bed and you only come to me when the others can’t tolerate your appetites any further. Your liking for pain is your cross to bear. It is His ultimate joke at your expense.”
He opened his mouth to say something and then closed it again without speaking. What she said was true, and though the black Angel wasn’t averse to lying, he chose today not to. His lust ran high, but it was a cold, dark lust that exulted in pleasure- pain. When he used up his harem of darker Angels, he came to her, his soul almost replenished, enough that his touch was lighter, more erotic. He knew she would not countenance his baser hungers so stayed away until he had tamed them.
“You like what I do to your body. You beg me every time we fuck. Do you think your human could drive you so insane with need that your entire body quivers like a highly strung bow?” There was more humour in his words, along with a healthy dose of lust. He was tempting her as he always did, and her breasts swelled within the black bodice of her dress.
“I have no doubt he could,” she smiled, brushing her body against his and feeling the hardness that told her he wanted to do just that. The feel of his muscular chest against her full breasts was an aching caress, and she struggled not to moan out aloud. “You do not want me, Cracken, not in the way that humans want and care for each other. You are merely satisfying a biological urge you have no control over.”
A dangerous glint entered his eyes as he fisted one hand in her hair and slowly slid the other beneath the short skirt of her dress. Long, thick fingers teased her inner thighs as they moved upwards towards the core of her body. “As do you, Destiny, as do you,” he whispered, his gaze piercing her as he plunged three fingers deep within her body.
He was right. Cracken was always right, and she moaned out aloud as his lips crushed hers. Lust was the main deadly sin that dominated her being. The need to be taken, to take of others, to have her body worshipped into exhausted clouded all her better judgement. She knew he hadn’t caged his baser urges, knew if she let him continue she would regret it, but the feel of his hand against her, the feel of his fingers plundering her body was too heady to abandon.
Destiny surrendered to the dark Angel, her body turning to molten fire as he expertly teased and tempted her. She trembled from the assault on her senses, gasped as her dress vanished with just the power of his thoughts. Teeth bit into the fullness of her breasts, sharp and painful, as his fingers danced inside her most vulnerable place. Her small cry of pain was quickly eclipsed by the heady pleasure as he took her over the precipice, and her first climax turned her bones to molten lava.
Her eyes fluttered open, her breathing harsh, as Cracken continued to impale her body with his fingers. The black teardrops beneath his left eye appeared alive, the dagger on his brow appeared to be dripping inky blackness downwards. His mark was beautiful, it was dangerous and yet exciting, and she loved to watch it while he indulged his lust.  
“Cracken...”
“Be quiet.” Cold, hard words, so at odds with the pleasure his hand was creating. His clothes had vanished along with hers, his beautiful face a mask of cruel intent.
She should stop this now, before he went too dark. There was still a smidgeon of humanity left within his gaze. He never usually came to her this wound up. She had no idea what he would do in this mood.
“Cracken...” she tried again, and he spun her around forcing her to bend over.
“Be...quiet!”
His thickness impaled her, and she cried out at the intrusion, not because it was painful, but because it was so gentle. Dread filled her for a moment, a sweet darkness that turned her crimson wings a shade darker. There were more ways to be cruel than to inflict pain. Cracken’s gentleness was a pleasure that eclipsed the harshest of pains.
Destiny’s wings unfurled to support her position as he withdrew and pushed back in with the slowest of movements. Her abdomen tightened at the delicious sensation, her own lust rising and wanting more. He refused to give it to her though, taking her with slow, deliberate movements, teasing every cry from her lips.
Cracken played her body like the most skilled musician, flexing his hips, going deep and then stroking into her with shallow movements. She quivered with each thrust, ground back against him demanding more. His pace remained the same, just enough to pleasure her but so slow her climax was a light year away.
“Would he give you this, sweet Destiny? Would he have the skill and forbearance to withstand his own needs to turn you into a boneless mess?” Cracken’s lips caressed her shoulder blades, his cock filling her until she was fit to burst.
“Bastard!” she grunted, trying to drive him deeper inside her. She ached for completion, ached to soar with the climax he denied her.
Cold laughter filled the air and his next thrusts were hard and fast. She had pleased him with her neediness so he was rewarding that desperation.
“Humans have no skill, no stamina. You long for something that will ultimately leave you unfulfilled. No one will ever surpass what I can give you, Destiny. You know it. I know it, so why bother lying to us both?”
“I hate you.” She didn’t really, she just hated what he could do to her. However, she knew he loved to hear those words. He craved to hear them almost as much as she craved to be with her human male.
He rewarded her again with more hard thrusts deep inside. She was so close...so close...she was almost there once more.
Cracken withdrew and she screamed out her frustration.
Spinning her around quickly, Destiny fell backwards onto the grass, lightheaded by the sudden movement.  She protected her wings as best she could, though a faint jar of pain shuddered through her as she connected with the ground.  Her pale blue eyes shot daggers at the laughing male above her, which only increased his amusement.
Straddling her body, his thick cock pressed against her abdomen, Cracken’s skilled fingers tugged at her breasts, twisting the aching peaks a tad too hard. She gasped and then groaned as the pain turned to pleasure, and he turned his assault to her swollen breasts.
“Hmmmm I don’t think I’ve seen your wings quite this deep a shade of red, sweet Destiny. Better watch out or they will be changing to black in the near future.”
“Never!” she ground out, arching up for more of his delicious torture even as her words belied her body’s demands.
“Never?” he laughed, his touch turning crueller. “Really?”
Destiny screamed as his tongue gently teased against her swollen peaks, her core throbbing for release. “Cracken...”
“What, sweet Destiny? Tell me what you want?”
“Fuck you!” She arched, defiance still in her soul, furious that he could play her so expertly.
“I thought you wanted me to fuck you, lover,” he chuckled, suckling at her nipples, rolling his tongue over them in sweet torture. He ground his cock into her abdomen, sliding up and down, letting her feel what could be happening inside her body if she was a good girl and played his game.
Destiny cursed him again, moaning and writhing against him, her entire nerve cells demanding completion.
“How I hate you, Cracken. How I loathe everything about you.” This time she meant it, this time she truly hated how weak he made her.
“But you still want me to fuck you, don’t you, Destiny? You loathe me but your wet little pussy is still begging to be filled by my cock.”
The smirk on his face was infuriating, the smugness of his tone a whiplash across her skin. “No...”
“Yes! Just say the words, Destiny. You know you want to.”
She couldn’t stand it a second longer. The gentle, unhurried swipes of his tongue against her breasts were a torture she couldn’t endure. She had to come. She needed it with a desperation she’d never encountered before.
“Fuck me! Please fuck me!”
“As my whore commands.” Cracken’s eyes shone with victory, his smile a cold, cruel slash across his face. He drove his cock in hard and deep, all teasing over with now he had achieved his goal.
Destiny climaxed immediately, but he continued to drive into her. It was evident that he was past caring about the game and was more interested in his own completion.  Cracken’s long black wings unfurled as he fucked her, fluttering wildly as his body pistoned in and out of the tight, wet sheath surrounding him.
She soared again, exquisite pleasure flooded every inch of her body, but he wasn’t finished with her, he continued to push her further and higher. Destiny screamed out her next climax, shuddering uncontrollably as he pulsed within her and slammed in deep and hard. She felt the scalding heat of his seed filling her, heard the laboured grunts as his climax washed over him.
It felt like an eternity that he slammed into her body; it felt like forever that he filled her with his seed. Destiny knew it was only moments but when he slid from her core, her entire body ached with the force of his possession and the animalistic way he had taken her.
“You are such a pig sometimes,” she gasped out, turning to look at him lying beside her on the grass. His arms were behind his head, and his beautiful face was a mask of satisfaction.
His eyes fluttered open and he turned to look at her, a half-smile gracing his lips. “You love every moment of it, Destiny. Deny it if you must but we both know the truth of it.”
She did love it, despite her protestations. She loved it and it terrified her too because each time she lay with Cracken, her wings turned that little bit darker. If she allowed this to continue then it was only a matter of time before her soul would be just as black as her lover’s beside her.
She didn’t want that to happen. It was the worst thing she could ever allow to happen. Her gaze shifted towards the lake, towards the portal and the human male that tugged so at her heart. Something told her he was the key to her salvation, that she could somehow find absolution in him. She would do whatever it took to save her soul, even if that meant leaving Heaven to achieve it.