Shifters of Shadow Falls Collection (Books 1-3) (21 page)

Chapter 5: Vince

Veronica scowls when she sees the bed, “you think you can chain me pup?”   There’s humor to her voice and a little smirk on those beautiful pale, plump lips.

              I fucking love that nickname of hers.  I walk over to the headboard and smile when I hear her follow behind me.  I lift the cuffs and remove a bit of the black velvet so she can see underneath.  “Silver; you won’t be able to break out of these babe.”  She gasps and takes a step back when it hits her.  She noticeably swallows and finds my eyes while she shakes her head slightly while crossing her arms.  “Don’t you trust me baby?”

              She hesitates to answer staring at the cuffs in my hand.  “I don’t want to do this.”  I know she doesn’t, but after seeing her freak out again today, I’m not going to wait to show my mate she can trust me.

              “How about if I promise to give you the key and do everything you command me to do, except release you myself.”  Her lips purse and she narrows her eyes.  I need to sweeten the deal.  “It’s just me baby.  Just me and only for an hour.”  Her dark eyes find mine again before she clicks her tongue and walks over to trail her fingers along the velvet covering the silver rope. 

              “I tied it up here too, in case you want to grip it.  There’s no way it’ll touch your skin baby.”  Her fingers slip inside the cuff.  They’re good quality, nicely padded.  They shouldn’t hurt her at all.  Just a tiny step to give up some control.

              “Fine, mutt.  Do it quick before I change my mind.”  I grin at her snappy response, even as I see her shoulders rise and fall with her deep intake of breath.  She lays on the bed as straight as possible with her wrists held out in front of her.  She’ll have plenty of slack until I get to her legs.

              My smile slips as I watch her hold her breath and close her eyes as the cuffs snap in place around her dainty wrist.  I tug a little to make sure they’re on right before going for the cuffs at the foot of the bed.  The room is quiet.  So quiet, I hear her breath pick up as the last shackle clasps and locks around her ankle.  My hand gentles on her calf, as I prepare to tug to test her restraints, but she beats me to it, yanking against the chains.

              “Key.”  She says the single word with authority although a hint of panic lingers.  I give her a tight smile and prepare myself for her wrath as I slip the key in between her lips.  Her eyes widen with heat and anger as she spits the key out.  “Give me the key!”  She yells again and I pick up the key off the floor and move closer to put it back in her mouth.  Her arms lurch in the chains, but don’t move far enough to reach me.  Even if she had the key in her hands, she’d be unable to free her.  She’s at my mercy and I can see the moment she realizes she needs me to free herself.  Sadness and betrayal flashes across her face; in that instance I nearly regret my decision.  “You fucking dog!” 

              “It’s just for one hour.”  My voice is soft, but stern.  She needs this.  She hisses at my simple statement.  “I’m still yours Veronica.  I’ll do whatever you say.”

              “Untie me!” 

              “Anything but that.”  Her nostrils flare and her face reddens with rage.  Her tight fists pull against the restraints with no avail. 

              “Come closer then.  Close enough so I can beat the shit out of you for doing this to me.”  I take a deep breath and lean my head to hers to kiss her cheek.  Close enough for her to strike me with her fist across my jaw, which she does.  Fuck!  I pull back and stretch my jaw.  I can taste blood in my mouth.  “Come here!”  I instantly obey, leaning in again, wanting to kiss her, but knowing she’s going to hit me.  As soon as she’s able, she strikes me in the nose and I hear it crack. 

Fuck, my mate knows how to fight and make every blow count.  The burning heat from the punch jolts me backwards.  I nearly fall off the bed, but I steady myself.  I pinch my nose to stop the bleeding and straighten it as it heals.  Drops of blood fall to the comforter.  As I feel my nose heal, I hear her sobs.              

“Vince.”  She whimpers my name in between gasps.  “Vince, I’m so sorry.  Vincent.”  I wipe my nose with the back of my hand and lean forward.  I kiss her on her tear stained cheek.  “Please forgive me.  Forgive me Vince, please.  I’m so sorry.  I-” I cut her off, pressing her plump lips to mine and stroking her cheek. 

“It’s alright baby.  I knew you wouldn’t like this.”  She shakes her head with her eyes shut tight and her lips pressed together, muting her cries. 

“It’s not okay.  It’s not okay.  You don’t deserve this.  I have no right to hit you.” 

I stroke her cheek until she opens her eyes and finds my silver gaze.  “I forgive you baby.”

“I’m scared.”  She whispers the words before another tortured sobs erupts from her throat and she pulls against the chains again. 

“It’s alright, my love.  I’m going to take care of you.  I’m going to prove to you that you can trust me baby.”  I lean in and I kiss her again.  Her arms pull against the chains as she runs her hands through my hair.  Her lips part and I suckle her top lip before running my tongue along her sharp fang.

“Please Vince, I can’t.”  She shakes her head and her eyes plead with me.

“I’m sorry baby, I can’t.  Not yet.”  Her head drops in defeat as she slowly nods her head and lets the sobs subside.  “Give me a command Veronica.  I’m still yours.” 

Her dark eyes filled with tears find mine, “hold me.”

I lay down and settle my chest into her side and wrap my heavy arms around her small body. I've never imagined her as this delicate before. I could easily crush her. She struggles against the shackles as another sob breaks through her body; she trembles under my touch. A small part of me caves, not liking her reaction. My grip on her tightens; she needs this. She needs to learn to trust me.

"What do you want from me Mistress?" I use her pet name, hoping that will calm her.

"I'm cold." Her words are soft, a plea not a command. I swallow the lump in my throat and pull the covers over our bodies and kiss the small dip in her throat.

"What else?" I need her to command me. I need her to find her strength.

"Just hold me." She sobs again and pulls against her chains as I lay my back against the pillow and gently place her head on my chest. I massage her arm and lean down to kiss her forehead.

She cries silently into my chest. "I got you babe." I barely speak the words, but the promise resonates through her, calming her cries. It hits me hard that she's not herself. She's not the strong, confidant woman I know. She's so damn wounded. "I got you." I kiss her hair and let her cry. Next time will be better. I nod my head at my thought. Next time I'll push her a little more.

Part II

Blinded Obsession

Chapter 1: Devin

              Alec's office is lined with book shelves and full of antique furniture. It smells like old books and wood polish. I walk confidently to his desk and take a seat across from him; it’s not the first time I’ve come to visit him, but this is the first time it’s been to deliver bad news.

"Fuck these chairs are comfortable." I easily relax in front of him.  Alec’s emotions are easily read. He let’s his aura coat the air around him.  He’s peaceful and the comfort of his office makes it easy to follow his relaxed nature. 

He grins and nods his head, "I like my guests to feel as ease."  

I smirk back at him. "It would help if I was here for a different reason."  His small smile slips a bit and the air turns cold, but only for a moment.  He parts his lips, but a quiet knock at the door stops him from speaking.

A cute little blonde pushes through the door, her ass leading the way as she carefully handles a silver tray with tea cups and a tea pot balanced on it.  Her eyes watch the tray carefully as she gracefully walks it to the desk.  She sets it down gently, jostling the cups only the faintest bit.  She takes a deep breath and gives Alec a bright smile.  Her dark brown eyes seek Alec’s approval, shining with obvious affection.  A humorous smirk plays at his lips and his light blue eyes find hers.

“Thank you dear.”  Her gorgeous smile, widens further at the sight of his approval.  She leans across the desk, revealing a bit too much of her breasts, to give him a peck on the cheek.  I avert my eyes.  It’s obvious that it wasn’t done intentionally, but I’d rather not indulge.  I have my own mate at home, waiting for me.  The thought warms my chest and stirs my cock.  I can’t get enough of her.

I hear the door close and I grin at Alec, “She seems very nice.”  Alec grunts a response and picks up the pot of hot tea. 

“Just sugar right?”  I nod and eye the old sorcerer in front of me.  “She’s quite nice.  I enjoy her company.”

“I think she enjoys yours as well.”  His eyes dart to the door with longing before he clears his throat and passes me a small saucer of tea. 

"Your message was very vague. What is it that you need, old friend?"  I’m not sure why he seems so out of sorts with the young woman.  He’s the leader of the Authority.  The most powerful man I know.  Not because his magic is so much greater than others, but because of his connections.  If he wants something, he’s given it without question.  I consider asking about the girl, but instead I move on to business.  If he wanted to confide in me, he would.  Besides, I hate to interfere.  Still the agreeable air seems dampened since the sweet blonde left him and I don’t like the change.

"I wish you wouldn't call me that. I'm not old Alec; not like your ancient ass." He chuckles, knowing it's all in good humor. I almost smile at the sorcerer, but with the heavy situation weighing down on my shoulders, I refuse to relax. "Do you have somewhere more private we could speak?" He tilts his head and opens a drawer to pull out a pad of paper. A pen flies from the drawer and into his open hand before he scribbles something on the pad.

Away from meddling ears?

I nod my head once, maintaining eye contact while I set my cup down on the desk.

"Of course, let's head to the woods, shall we?" He snaps his fingers and suddenly I'm sitting in the same comfortable chair, but in front of me is a babbling creek. The morning light shifts through the leaves onto the ground as the gentle wind passes.  It’s a calming setting, one Alec seems to prefer.  We're sitting in the shade of large oak trees.

"You didn't bring your chair?" I knew he'd bring us here. It's where we used to meet when I was younger. Back when I relied on him to get my footing as alpha of my territory.

"I have a feeling I'll be needing to stand." I nod my head and get up from my seat. We stand side by side watching the water flow over the small rocks. "Which one is it?"

"Which one?"  I know what he’s hinting at, but I’d rather he says it.

"Which one didn’t you want to hear?"  His hands are fisted and the gentle air around us stirs with irritation. 

"Natalia."  I answer easily. 

“Why’s that?”  His eyes darken as does the sky.  His anger isn’t directed at me so I don’t hesitate to continue.  I know I’m one of few that Alec shows this side to.  He doesn’t need to hide in a cloud of comfort around me.  He knows that.

“What do you know about the blood you sell to the covens?”  I’m relying on the last words of a dead man, but I have no doubt that there’s truth in what he said.  And I trust Veronica’s word. 

“What blood?”  My fists clench at his ignorance.  How the hell could they be conducting business right under his nose without him knowing?  My jaw ticks with anger. 

“The blood she’s pushing down the coven’s throat.”  My hard words come out low, reflecting my disappointment with him.  The clouds turn dark grey and thunder rumbles in the wind.

"Fucking greedy bitch." He scowls and cracks his neck before regaining composure.  The wind picks up and the water of the creek seems to heat, the steam rising. 

“How did she get that by you?”  I stare at him with disbelief.  Alec is a force not to be taunted and that’s exactly what Natalia’s doing.  It’s not wise of her, yet she’s getting away with it.

“Things have been distracting me lately.”  He slowly regains his composure as he closes his eyes and controls his breathing.  As his fingers flex, the clouds slowly part and the simmering water cools.  The darkness eases.

“Things?  What kind of
things
?”  He glances at me before settling his eyes back to the free flowing water.  Whatever is bothering him needs to be taken care of immediately.  His position is one that many envy, and they would all kill to have his place.  He knows that.

“Another time for that tale, old friend.”  He’s never hesitated before to confide in me.  I square my shoulders to him and wait for his eyes to meet mine. 

“We are friends aren’t we Alec?”

“We are,” he smiles warmly at me.  It eases my discomfort.  “Friends and allies.”

“You have many friends.” 

“No, I have few friends and many allies.  They’re quite different.  You are a friend who happens to be my ally.  I have few allies who happen to be my friends.”

“That doesn’t sound reassuring.”  He grunts a laugh before sitting on the grass.  I follow suit. 

“It’s not.  Allies will only stand by you while you have something for them.”

“Out with it Alec, I don’t speak in code.”  He smiles at my impatience. 

“Another time.  Now back to Natalia.”

"She seems to have the backing of the vampires in the Authority." He nods his head.

"I figured; they all work together.  It’s no matter; they’ll face the same consequence."  He picks up two pieces of grass and twirls them between his fingers.  I watch as they grow longer in his grasp, turning a vibrant green. 

"They're poisoning the blood. I'm thinking they're abducting the vampires to test on them."

His breathing stills and another round of thunder booms through the air.  He pinches the grass between his forefinger and thumb and they wilt, turning brown, drying before my eyes.  "Poisoning with what?"

"According to the shifter from Shadow's pack, she made a deal with them. Drugs in exchange for control of Shadow Falls. She wants the blood bank so she can taint the blood she's forcing other vampires to drink. It's some drug that voids their immortality."

Alec breaks his composure and stares at me in disbelief. "I knew she was overstepping her boundaries with the vampires. But I had no idea she'd take it that far. Are you sure of this?"

"The shifter had nothing to gain and nothing to lose by telling me this."

"We need to be sure Devin. I can't get the backing of the rest of the Authority without proof. This needs to be done quietly. No one can know. Not shifters, or vampires. Sure as fuck not the humans." I already knew that would be his decision. 

"I came prepared with a plan.  Veronica's coven wants the blood bank, so we'll give it to them."

"And then?"  His quizzical gaze meets mine.

"Then we'll have a motive to keep an eye on things."

Alec shakes his head. "This needs to happen quickly." 

"I'll send her to her coven and gain permission for her to watch another town's bank. To see how things are done. A town where vampires have gone missing. Vince will go with her. Maybe he'll be able to trail them and sniff them out."

Alec nods his head. "Do you need anything from me."

I shake my head, "not now, but when we're ready I'll need men to take them down."

"You won't have to worry about that. Keep me informed. When we have proof, you'll have the rest of the Authority on your side. It will be more than enough."  His light blue eyes find mine and he smiles faintly, “She will pay greatly for this; I promise you that.”