But just like that the world goes dark…
When I wake next, it takes a second for me to get my bearings. First, I reach out with my ears. No sounds can be heard. Not even the rustling of leaves on a fall breeze. With my nose I smell blood. Not a strong odor, like I’m covered in it, but it does hang in the air. And turkey. Nice. I must have hung on to that leg while I was being abducted.
The scent of a sweet flower hits me a moment before whatever is covering my face and eyes is pulled away. The light is dim in the room. My eyes adjust as I quickly scan my surroundings. Four cement walls and a floor with a drain at my feet. Nothing in the room but me on this hard metal chair and whoever is standing behind me.
My hands are bound, as are my fingers. No teleporting for me. I try to break whatever is securing me but I can’t. My vampire strength isn’t doing me any good. Must be magical handcuffs spelled by a mage.
“Oh!” I yell. “You’re the one we’re looking for!” I’m so excited. I didn’t need to find the being responsible for harming those in the pack. She came to me. “I’ve already seen what you look like in Ari’s mind. Please come forward so I can talk to you. I’m curious what your motive is.”
The female walks in front of me and appears exactly as she did in Ari’s mind. “Are you always this chatty?”
“I am.” I smile. I may not be able to break free, but I can hopefully win this nightmare of a female over with my charm. You catch more bees with honey is the saying, I think. I can’t remember, but I’ll be sweet as hell to get some intel. I am an investigator after all. “Ford hates it. I drive him crazy sometimes. That’s what brothers are for, though.”
Her eyes widen. “You’re not Ford?”
“Um, no. I look like him at the moment but it’s all in my costume. I really went for the authentic vibe with the trench. I had you fooled, huh? Wait. Does that mean you meant to take my brother and not me?”
Her hands fist as magic crackles in the air. “I didn’t want you. I wanted Ford.”
“Well, I can’t say I’m not disappointed. I am the better brother. Your standards must be exceptionally low. Why would you want him and not me? I’m a far better vampire specimen.” I glance around her and notice my turkey leg on the floor. “Fate, did you have to ruin my snack? That was like finding gold in the fridge.” I’m honestly not sure if I’m more upset about the abduction or the leg. I really wanted that. It’s not the same now. Who knows what’s on this floor? Then again, is there a rule to eating food that fell when you can’t get sick? The five-second rule turned into a five-minute rule. The turkey leg is deemed… edible! “Could you maybe pick that up and put it in my mouth?”
“You like taking your life in your hands?”
“The wild side is my favorite place.” I wink.
She steps closer and a blade appears in her hand. She presses it to my throat. “I’m seconds away from killing you.”
“Not silver, then. Doesn’t burn like it should. Plus, you can hold it. So, are you half vampire or just have vampire gifted powers? And what’s your name? I’ve never seen you before. I do get around. Obviously, you’ve heard of our family. I mean, if you’re seeking out Ford, you must have heard of me. And let’s not forget Mother and Father Dearest. They’re legends in their own rights.”
“Would you shut up?” she screams. “I know all about your family. I was there when your mother killed my brother.”
“Vengeance, then.” I nod slightly in understanding. “Tell me, how long ago was this and where did it happen?” Maybe if I get her talking it will give my kitten time to find me. Then again, Orion needed Robin to help him locate Ari. I have no doubt this being put some sort of magic around me to block Lilah’s internal compass.
The blade presses into my flesh. The scent of blood becomes stronger. That reminds me. “Where did the blood on my jeans come from? I didn’t feel any other wounds when I woke up.”
“Leftover from someone else.”
I cock my head to the side and dive into her mind. I’ve tried repeatedly but haven’t been able to penetrate it. No worries. I’m a Verascue. I’ll scale that wall and find out her secrets.
“Get out of my head,” she hisses.
“Yeah, I don’t think so. You’re too mysterious for me to want to do that. I think I’m going to take my time and find out just how deep your hatred of my mother runs.”
The female slices the blade across my neck all the way to my spinal cord. I sputter and gasp for a moment, not able to breathe. It’s mere seconds before my skin and internal wounds mend.
“That was uncalled for!” I yell once I can. “How would you like it if I did that to you? And here I thought we were making progress,” I scoff. “If I could, I’d cross my arms right now. Instead, I’ll just turn my head because I simply can’t look at you.”
Her hand whips forward and clutches my completely healed throat. The blade she was holding clatters to the ground as she uses her other hand to teleport us away. When we land, we’re in the kitchen at the pack house. I wonder if she originally brought me to the basement of the house or if it were somewhere else.
“I can’t stand you anymore!” she seethes in my mind. “But don’t think I’m through. I’m going after your
