Vampish: Blood Bonds, page 4
“You’re being unreasonable, Luci.” Azara crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at her grandfather, as if he weren’t the most intimidating male to walk this earth.
“As I said before, certain things must play out as intended. Trust me, I wouldn’t allow my great grandchild to grow up motherless. If Thanatos does return, we can reconvene at that time.”
“What if it’s too late by then?” Talon barked.
“It won’t be. Thanatos knows better than to cross the devil himself.”
“Well, this has been an absolute waste of time,” Ransom muttered.
Lucifer shot him a wicked grin. “You, my vampire friend, have only just begun your journey. To be mated to the wolf with the mortal bite will prove to be your downfall.”
How the hell did he know? A violent chill raced up my spine, and a tremor zipped through my body. “What does that mean?” I cried out.
“You’ll see.”
Talon growled. “See what I mean? Vague answers and gloom and doom. Don’t listen to him.”
“That’s not news to me, Lucifer.” Ransom threw the prince of hell his own smirk. “I always knew she’d be my undoing.”
“I’m sure it’ll all be worth it.” The devil eyed me then returned his dark gaze to Ransom. “I will say this: hold her close if you wish to keep her from Thanatos’s clutches. The god of death is vengeful and consumed with wrath. He’s on his own mission—has been since the dawn of time. I’ve felt his presence closer lately. If he succeeds in breaking the shadow curse, all of Azar will suffer.”
“Then why can’t you do something?” I shouted.
He folded his hands on the table. “It’s not my place. As I’ve said, things must play out as they are meant to. For now.”
I glanced over at Talon. He was right. This guy was full of it. The dragon rose, the chair legs screeching across the stone floor. “Thanks for nothing, Lucifer. If you don’t have anything else to share with us, you’re welcome to see yourself out.”
He stood and with an elaborate bow, dipped his head to Azara. “Always a pleasure, my dear. Say hello to the warlords for me. I don’t miss them one bit.” He chuckled. “You’re doing a wonderful job keeping them in line.”
“Yeah, yeah,” she muttered.
“Don’t hesitate to call if you need me!” His words drifted into the fog as a wave of black consumed him.
“Well, that was a complete waste of time,” Ransom repeated.
“Sorry.” Azara’s lips puckered. “Luci is…facetious.”
“More like crazy.” Ransom’s arm curled around me.
“As difficult as Lucifer can be,” Talon began, “I’m certain that if Azara were truly in danger, he’d step in, which leads me to believe the situation isn’t critical.”
“Yet,” I added.
Ransom tightened his hold around me. “It’s simple, we’ll just have to stop Ronin’s warlock from bringing Thanatos back in the first place.”
“Sure, easy-peasy.”
He dipped his head to the dark lord and her mate. “Azara, Talon, we appreciate the hospitality, but it’s time for us to be on our way.”
“I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more help,” she said. “Lucifer can be a little fickle at times, but Talon’s right, he’ll step in when necessary.” She moved closer and lowered her voice. “It’s true then? You’re mates, even though he’s a vampire?”
I opened my mouth to respond—to say what I wasn’t quite sure, but Ransom cut in before I could get the words out.
“It’s complicated,” he interjected.
Talon stepped to Azara and wrapped his big arm around her. “It always is.” He smirked.
The dark lord snapped her fingers, and a whirling portal churned to life in the middle of their sitting room. “What’s your next stop?”
Ransom’s eyes met mine, and I nodded. It was time to go back to Nocturnis and face Ronin head on. “The Darklands, please.”
“Good luck,” said Azara. “And keep us in the loop with any developments on Thanatos, and we’ll do the same.”
“Thanks again,” I shouted over the blustery winds.
Ransom’s fingers entwined with mine, and we jumped into the spiraling abyss.
The portal spat us out along the river, the dark waves splashing over the walkway. I glanced across the bridge into Royal lands, and my chest tightened. The queen’s betrayal still stung. I knew she was only trying to protect her people, but we could’ve worked together somehow. I still hoped we could. Which was probably stupid. Gods, I barely recognized myself anymore. When had I become this weak, sniveling girl? I was a badass vampire-killing sicari, and it was time I remembered that. No more hiding, no more tiptoeing around Ronin.
It was time to fight.
I unstrapped bardy from my back and thumbed the worn wooden shaft.
“Red, are you trying to make me jealous?” Ransom shot me his trademark smirk, revealing that dimple.
“No, but I was thinking that it’s time to kick some rebel king ass.”
“Agreed.” His fangs dropped, and he flashed me a wicked grin. “But first, we need a new hideout.”
“Fine by me. I was never really a fan of the safehouse.”
“Don’t worry, Red, I have something much grander in mind for our first love nest.”
A laugh burst from my lips. “You’re relentless.”
“I know. And you love it.”
I rolled my eyes at him, but I couldn’t help the smile from pulling at my lips. The truth was that I was falling in love with him. Despite everything, in spite of all the terrible things he’d done and would likely continue to do. But I couldn’t voice the words just yet because it would make them real. Letting myself love Ransom felt like admitting defeat somehow. Which was so messed up.
“Right this way, darling.” He sketched a bow before wrapping his hand around mine once again. We took a few steps along the pathway on the river’s edge when approaching footsteps stopped us mid-stride.
Ransom’s nostrils flared, and his mouth twisted into a scowl. “Serviles.”
“Great. Welcome back to the Darklands.” I tightened my hold on bardy as adrenaline began to surge through my veins.
The pack of starving fangers turned the corner, and their watery gazes settled on us. In the center of the group, a familiar blonde head poked out. Ugh, Dinah.
Her eyes focused on Ransom like twin lasers of crimson, and her fangs extended. “Handsome Ransom, fancy meeting you here. I’d heard rumors you were back in town. But since Rocco saw you at the blood brothel, I hoped you’d finally abandoned your little wolf.” She shrugged. “Guess not.”
“I just can’t shake her, Dinah. You know how it is. Once you go Ransom, you never go back.”
Oh, barf. I jabbed my elbow into his side to shut him up.
“As lovely as it is to see you again, Dinah, it was bad luck for you. You see, I’d rather not have Ronin know Red here is back in town. So as much as it pains me, I’m going to have to kill you now.”
Her dark eyes grew wide. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I’m afraid love makes you do foolish things, my dear.”
I was pretty sure her eyes were going to pop out of her head, and I couldn’t deny the tiny swirl of satisfaction. Although I didn’t think blurting his feelings to Ronin’s right-hand vamp was the smartest move on his part.
“You don’t love her, you idiot. It’s her blood. You’re obsessed with her.”
“You’re probably right,” I interjected. Better for her to think that than figure out the truth. Love was a weakness, after all. “But either way, Ransom’s right. We can’t have you running back to Ronin now.” I dropped down and grabbed the stake strapped to my thigh. The serviles began to growl and hiss, slowly stepping toward us. With bardy in one hand and the stake in the other, I lunged.
My body went into autopilot, the calmness of battle icing my veins. I moved through the herd, slicing a path toward Dinah. After everything that female fanger put me through while I was in Ronin’s prison, I was going to enjoy ending her.
The serviles began to disperse as bardy got to work, their shrieks and howls ricocheting across the night air. Ransom moved beside me, beautifully lethal. As the pack thinned, Dinah staggered back, the fire in her eyes dimming.
I saw it. The moment she decided to run. Her eyes widened, and she spun on her heel.
Ransom was busy with two serviles, so I took off after her. She leapt atop the river wall and dashed across the slate stone. Pumping my arms, I willed my legs to move faster, but damned that vampire speed. A growl vibrated in my chest, and that furry presence made itself known. The change came instantly. One second I was running on two legs, and the next I was down on all fours, a fiery fiend streaking through the night.
I leapt onto the wall, my four paws more sure-footed than my human feet and raced after the fleeing vamp. I vaguely registered Ransom’s shouts from behind, but I didn’t slow down. I needed this. It felt good to be free, to fight, to kill. This was what I’d spent my whole life training for. With any luck, Dinah would lead us right to Ronin.
I could feel the flames hovering over my fur as I ran, feel the heat but somehow the fire didn’t burn me. It was the craziest thing. Dinah’s blonde head bobbed just ahead now. I was gaining on her. My wolf was insanely fast, almost vampire speed. But not quite.
Dinah jumped off the wall and zipped down a dark alleyway. I chased after her, my wolf completely taking over. I was the predator, and she was my prey. Ahead, I could just make out a cinderblock wall. She was trapped. I slowed my pace and drew in a deep breath, steadying my frantic heartbeats.
Dinah backed against the wall, fear streaking across her obsidian irises.
I flashed her my fangs and tipped my head back. A deep howl echoed across the narrow alley. Time to die, mother fanger. I sat back on my haunches and lunged.
A glimmering portal opened right beside Dinah, and the vampire darted into the whirling winds. I slammed my front paws down, claws digging into the crumbling asphalt. Indecision stopped me in my tracks. Drakin had to be on the other side of that portal and Ronin too. This was my chance.
The portal began to close. Pushing myself off my back legs, I leapt toward the churning winds. My paws reached for the whirling vortex, but a hand closed around my tail, jerking me back. What the…? I let out a yip. The brilliant azure faded, and the mystical doorway slammed closed as I hit the floor.
“What the hell were you thinking, Red?” A pissed off vampire loomed over me, his fingers clenched tight around my flaming tail.
I growled at him and bared my fangs.
He released me and glanced at his burnt hands. Wincing, his scowl grew deeper. “Oh no you don’t, wolfy. How could you even think of doing something so reckless? That portal could’ve delivered you straight into Ronin’s hands.”
I huffed out a wolfish sigh, then focused on the magic that lay beneath my fur. I couldn’t fight with the overly protective vampire if I couldn’t yell at him. The crimson haze surrounded me, and a second later I was back in skin.
“We’re trying to find Ronin, remember?” I shouted, crossing my arms over my bare chest. It was damned hard to look intimidating when you were butt naked.
“Find him, yes. Not deliver yourself to him with a big red bow.”
“Ransom, if this partnership is going to work you have to trust that I know what I’m doing. I was slaying vamps way before you showed up in my life.”
“So you expect me to just sit there and watch you get killed?” The depth of emotion swirling through the onyx abyss of his irises pierced my soul. I relented, loosening my fighting stance.
“No,” I mumbled. “But you have to let me fight my own battles.”
He shook his head, clucking his teeth. “Fine, Red, next time you jump half-cocked into a portal to who knows where, I’ll let you. But I’ll be right behind you.”
A faint smile parted my lips. “Deal.” I swept my hair behind my ears and glanced back in the direction we’d come. “You took care of all the serviles?”
“Of course, I did.”
“Guess it doesn’t matter now that Dinah got away. She’ll go straight to Ronin and tell him we’re back in town.”
Ransom shrugged. “You wanted a fight, Red. I have a feeling you’re about to get one.” Chewing on his lower lip, he regarded me, a renewed fire in his eyes. “Now put some clothes on or I’ll be forced to have my way with you right here in the middle of the street.” He tugged his shirt over his head and drew it over mine in a move so quick, all I saw was a black blur. Then he threw his arm around my shoulders and steered me back toward the main avenue. “Now, let’s get home.”
Chapter
Six
Ransom
* * *
It wasn’t the Ritz, but at least it was a penthouse. I paced the length of windows that stretched the span of the master bedroom. Unlike my old place, this one had a generator, which meant electricity and running water, along with decent furniture which had been a fantastic bonus when we’d stumbled across it late last night.
Red was exhausted despite her protestations otherwise. She’d slept soundly all night as I stood guard. Now that Ronin knew we were back, it was only a matter of time before he made an appearance. Then there was the queen. She’d be on the lookout for Red too.
How had we gotten into this mess? And more importantly, how would I get her out?
Maybe it was time to take matters into my own hands. I could go to the queen and attempt to negotiate for Red’s life. I knew exactly how to get her to comply with my demands. My gaze drifted to Red, her peaceful form splayed across the bed, brilliant auburn hair like a crimson halo. I had to protect her at all costs. My mate. I may not have completed the bond between us, for multiple reasons, but I loved her all the same. I couldn’t imagine loving her any more. My cold, dead heart constricted at the thought.
We couldn’t fight our enemies from both sides. I had to speak to Carmen Rosa and force her to see things my way. I eyed Red again, and my chest tightened. I hated leaving her alone, unprotected. But she was right. She was strong, and I had no doubt she could handle herself. Besides, if all went well, I’d be back before she awoke.
I slipped on my shirt and jeans before tugging on my leather jacket. As I walked by the bed, I paused, stealing one more glance at her. Bending down, I brushed my lips over her forehead. “Sleep, my love. I’ll be back soon.” As I straightened, I caught sight of Red’s favorite weapon leaning against the opposite wall. I marched over to it, seized it in my hands and couldn’t believe the surge of jealousy I felt over an inanimate object. She loved this weapon more than anything. With a rueful smile, I set it beside her on the bed. If anyone dared disturb her, they’d have bardy to contend with.
Sneaking into the queen’s private chamber was too easy. I’d have to mention that if she didn’t kill me first. I stood at the balcony and peered into her room. As predicted, she was still asleep. I’d learned a few things about the queen’s habits during my tenure at Royal Castle. I also knew she made her guards remain outside her bedroom. Which made this little impromptu visit all the easier for me.
Silently, I unlatched the window and climbed inside. The second my boots hit the floor, Carmen Rosa jolted up. She appeared small across the vast bed, thick crimson curtains concealing her from view. Her wild eyes snapped to mine, and the tension in her jaw dissipated. “Ah, Ransom. What an unexpected pleasure.” She drew her hand through her dark locks, tying them back, then rose, pushing the elaborate drapery back. The long lacey train of her nightgown trailed her slender form as she moved toward me.
I’d been invited into that bed more than once during my days at the castle. For whatever reason, I’d never taken her up on the offer. Something about it seemed wrong. Though she’d never replace my real mother, as my sire, I held onto the familial tie.
She stopped mere inches from me, dark eyes boring into mine. “Why have you come, my son?”
“I don’t want you as an enemy, Carmen Rosa. I’ve come to bargain for Phoenix’s life.”
Her eyes sparkled as a knowing smile crossed her crimson lips. “You’re in love with the girl. How very trite, Ransom.”
“The heart wants what it wants.” I steeled my nerves, grinding my teeth. Better for her to think I was stupid than learn the truth about our mate bond.
“The heart,” she chuckled, the shrill sound sending a wave of goose bumps rippling across my flesh. “It’s the blood, you fool. Whatever you think you feel for her and she for you is only a result of the blood you’ve shared.”
“Potato, potatoe.”
She shook her head. “What is it that you think you can offer to change my mind? You understand that I’m only doing what I must to protect my people.”
“I understand. And I’m offering you another solution.”
“Go ahead.”
“I believe you’ve overestimated your former friend, Ronin. We’ve done some of our own research and not only is he missing Red’s blood but also that of the female warlock and vampire with a soul, if not more. If he can’t have the other two, his need for Red becomes obsolete.”
“I’m following…”
“Withdraw the bounty on Phoenix’s head, and let’s work together as we’d planned. We’ll take Ronin down before he can summon Thanatos, and this will all be history by week’s end.”
She leaned against the door to the balcony, staring out into the dark night. “While that sounds lovely, it’s not quite that easy, my child. Ronin’s army grows more powerful by the day. While you and your little wolf were in hiding, the rebel king has amassed hundreds more serviles, as well as generals. You see, what he’s offering is too tempting to even my most loyal subjects.”
“More reason for us to move quickly.”
She cocked a dark, perfectly sculpted brow. “What exactly are you suggesting?”
“A guarantee. If we do not put an end to Ronin’s plotting in let’s say two weeks, I’ll make sure he’s never able to complete the spell to break the curse.”
