The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook* (29 page)

I just nodded as I followed him, the exhaustion of being up for a day and a half finally had caught up to me. I barely had let a yawn out before I was being pulled into Mathias’s arms and sprinted up the stairs to my parents flat.

“Thanks." I said sleepily as I started to strip off my clothes and head into the room I had stayed in when we first arrived. I wasn't the slightest bit self-conscience as I peeled off everything but my underwear. I slipped under the covers and let out a happy moan as I closed my eyes drifting away into sleep almost instantly.

When I woke up several hours later, I looked around and saw that Cupcake was lying next to me spread out in bed, completely knocked out.

Mathias was still in my room, wide awake and sitting comfortably on an oversized chair in the corner. Oscar was lying down by his side alert.

“Hey,” I said slowly and stretched out my arms above my head. I looked out the window and saw the setting sun low in the sky.

“I was just going to wake you." Mathias said. “We are leaving in an hour."

Nervousness and anticipation set my stomach on edge upon hearing his words. Until this moment, the whole thought process and preparation for the rescue mission didn’t seem real. Now that the time was here, I was scared. Could I really do this? Could someone like me, go into an old warehouse full of evil vampires and try to save not just one person but three different people?

Mathias watched me while I wrestled internally with about twenty different emotions and thoughts. “Are you sure you can do this?" he asked

"No." I let out a small laugh. “But I have to try."

“No one will blame you Willa if you want to back out. We can always have Cormac take your place and you stay here holding the portal connection,” he offered

“No, that's not the way,” I returned. “I’m just nervous."

Mathias nodded. “I’ll meet you in throne room in one hour,” he said as he stood up to leave

“Mathias?" I said as a whole other kind of nervousness overtook my system. I was pretty sure the next part of our conversation was not going to go well, but I couldn’t let him leave without suggesting something.

“What?" he asked

“I’m pretty sure that you’re going to say no and yell at me for even suggesting this but I want you to hear me out first, promise?"

Mathias let out a big sigh. “What is it now Willa?"

“I think you should feed on me before we go."

Mathias went completely still, and I saw his Adams apple start moving rapidly as he swallowed several times.

“If we’re going into this kind of situation, I think it would be best if you feed straight from the source. Serena told me last week that you can get quite a charge of power when you feed off of a Gypsy or Fae and that its effects can last for quite a while.”

“Did she also explain the reason we don’t do that?" he asked softly

“Yes. She said that if all the Guardians drank directly from the clan they could get addicted to it. That’s why it’s not allowed."

“And yet you would still ask this of me? You would ask me, who is the head of security, who is supposed to lead by example, to feed off of you?"

“Yes, I’m asking this of you because I need you to be at your very best. Let’s face it; I still have no clue on how to use most of my powers. All I can do is a few spells, produce freaky fire and teleport."

“Which is ten times more than most people have,” he countered

“I need you Mathias; I’m scared, and it kills me to admit that."

Mathias sat beside me and looked thoughtful. “Willa, when we feed from another being, whether it is a Gypsy, Fae, human, or vampire, it turns very intimate, very sexual. I’m not a doctor or scientist so I can’t explain exactly why this happens. Some say it’s a chemical reaction to our saliva, and some say that it’s just natural because the practice of taking blood is so primal."

“OK, I promise not to get caught up in the moment and rip your clothes off."

“It’s not that easy,” he chuckled. “I appreciate the fact that you’re scared and want to make sure that I’m in top form but honestly, bagged blood is fine."

“Please,” I pleaded softly and bit my lip as I looked up at him.

I don’t know if my argument worked or if I just caught him in a weak moment because slowly his hand came up to my face, and he stroked my cheek gently. “You are such a dangerous woman, foolish but dangerous."

I held my breath and asked him silently,
Please, I promise not to get out of control or ever tell anyone.

Just remember the kids are watching,
he replied back glancing at Oscar and Cupcake, who were watching us curiously.

That made me smile for a moment, but it was soon wiped from my face when he cupped one hand around my neck and used his other to sweep my hair over my left shoulder. I instinctively leaned my head back and offered him my neck with no fear or reservations. Mathias leaned down, and I felt his cool breath on my skin. Then he pressed his soft lips down on my flesh.

When the tip of his tongue started lightly to swirl circles on my neck, my body was instantly set on fire, he hadn’t even bitten me yet and I was already writhing. Over and over his tongue swirled, making me curl my toes and bite my lip. When it retreated back into his mouth, my body tensed in anticipation.

I let out a soft cry when his teeth sank into my skin. The sharp pain was over quickly though, and waves of desire pulsated through my body. My breasts grew heavy, and my nipples painfully tightened against the fabric of my bra. When Mathias gripped my neck and pulled me even closer, my sex clenched with need, and a low moan escaped from my mouth.

I wanted desperately to throw my arms around his neck, drag him down on top of me, and open my legs so I could feel his hardness inside of me. I knew he wouldn't be able to put up any resistance at the moment. His arousal pressed against my leg, and I could sense his will crumble with every pull he took of my blood.

But I also was aware that he would hate himself. Now wasn’t the time. So I closed my legs tightly together and tried to ignore the fact my body was screaming for release. Until Mathias came to me without any reservations, I wasn’t going to push him.

I was just starting to get slightly dizzy when his teeth retracted from my neck. Immediate emptiness came over me, and I felt saddened by his withdrawal. Instead of pushing me away, like I thought he would, Mathias touched his forehead to mine, and both of us were breathing heavy.

For several minutes, the world stood still for me. Not only did our breaths mingle together by our closeness but our very souls merged as one. It was one of the most precious moments of my life.

He pulled away but not before placing a tender kiss on my forehead. I wanted to cry out and hold him near me, but our time had come to an end. I didn’t dare say a word and ruin what had occurred I sat quietly and tried to keep this feeling inside of me for as long as I could.

When the silence between us stretched out longer, I knew Mathias wasn’t going to say anything. I knew that what happened had affected him just as much as it did me. It probably scared the hell out of him too. I tried to lighten the mood, and whispered softly. “See, I can control myself, I’m not a total loose cannon."

He smiled and finally met my eyes. “Imagine that. We need to get going. We don’t have much of a window if we want to get there before they wake."

“All right,” I said. “I’ll meet you down there in ten minutes?"

“I’ll be waiting." he answered as he got up and motioned to Oscar, who padded over by his side. He gave me one last look before he left and when he closed the door softly I fell back on the bed and let out a long, shuddering breath.

I looked over at Cupcake, who was staring at me with his sad eyes, “You know you’re really starting to cramp my style."

His only response was to whimper. He laid his head down and put his paw over his eyes.

I rolled my eyes and forced myself out of bed. I grabbed my clothes and headed into the bathroom to change into my rescue mission garb of a black turtleneck sweater, black jeans, and black boots. I pulled my hair back into a tight bun and decided to forgo any makeup. I muttered a quick glamour to add a little color to my pale cheeks then stepped back to look at my reflection in the mirror.

I totally nailed the cat burglar look I was going for with my outfit. For some reason, I thought if I looked like a professional thief it would give me the confidence boost I needed. Crazy? Yes but in my sick, little mind it made sense.

I walked out of the bathroom and went to the window to look out over my new home that I had come to love already. Cupcake roused himself off the bed and came to stand next to me.Together we stood until finally I looked down at him and said, “Ok big guy, its show time. I'm off to go get Aunt Gussie, your cousin Julia, and Frank’s wife Leona."

“Wish me luck." I said walking out the door with him trailing behind me.

Woof,
he barked excitedly.

“Thanks." I smiled and went downstairs to begin the rescue mission.

A rescue mission that had me walking into a warehouse full of evil vampires.

Piece of cake.

Chapter Twenty-One

When I entered the throne room, the butterflies in my stomach took off into overdrive. All of my family was present as well as over half the Guardians. My mother, father and grandmother separated themselves from their respective groups and came over to talk to me.

“Here is the charmed necklace,” Winifred said as she stepped forward and placed a long gold chain, with a large green pendant, around my neck. “Mathias and Frank already have theirs."

“Thanks, although, I’ve always been more partial to red,” I said.

“Remember Willa, you’re going to be using a bit of magic trying to keep the portal open. So you must also chant the spell to mask your scent every few minutes." Cecily said

“Listen to Mathias. Stick to the plan. Once you enter into Gussie’s room Mathias will get her through the portal at once. You will then all need to go get Julia. Make sure you ask her what some of her more recent visions have been. Mathias will give Frank the all clear to go and fetch Leona. You and Mathias will make your way back to Gussie’s room and wait for them.” Cormac said.

“I got it Dad. I came up with the idea, so I’m well versed on what needs to happen." I answered

“It still isn't right." Serena said as she joined our little group. “I think I should go with you. I’m not only your Guardian but Julia’s as well."

“We discussed this Serena. You need to be here. Julia was quite clear on that." I said

Serena just nodded at me. She looked miserable. This had to be hard for her, but we couldn’t stray too far away from Julia’s vision or our plan.

“Ready?" Mathias asked me

"Ready Freddy,” I responded. I walked over to stand in front of the mirror. The reflection showed my mom and Winifred over each of my shoulders. My father was on my left and Mathias and Frank on my right. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly before I turned to my father and nodded.

I held out my hands and called upon my fire as well as the other elements. Unlike the two times before, where I had a pretty clear picture of where I needed to go, this was much more difficult. The glass wavered, and I was shooting over the sea and towards land. The city of London spread out before me, its bright lights cutting through my dreamlike state.

I headed east to search out the warehouse. It seemed like several minutes before I spied it up ahead. Just as I was about to fly in towards the door I stopped in my tracks. It was like there
was a brick wall that prevented me from going any further. I also picked up the slight smell of sulfur.

The warehouse was protected magically, but this was not the magic I was used too. This was black magic. Instead of feeling helpless though, I only felt one thing, and that was extreme irritation. I was not about to let some black magic stop me.

I sensed my dad’s presence near but before we could even confer with each other, I started to chant a small spell:

I call upon the elements to lead me where I need to go

Break through this wall, and guide me on my quest

I bring forth no ill will nor will I harm any innocent beings

Show me, guide me, and protect me and my companions

As I will, so mote it be.

That was the first spell I had created on my own. It may not be as lyrical as my mother’s spells, but it did the trick. The wall burst open and up and over I flew through the building until suddenly everything stopped. My senses were so overloaded I kept my eyes shut while I said a silent thank you to the elements that stayed gathered around me.

A sharp intake of breath made me open my eyes, and when I did, I almost stumbled back.

Fortunately my dad kept a tight grip on my hand. We had opened a portal to my Aunt Gussie's room. It's strange to be looking down instead of straight ahead, but I was almost too distracted even to care.

My aunt Gussie was lying down on her bed. Her head faced the wall, and a man sat next to her sucking on her wrist.

Anger bubbled up in me and just as I was about to blast this son of a bitch, Mathias spoke in my head.

NO WILLA! Remember the plan. We are to go in quietly. Above all else, you are not to be discovered.

Let me handle this.

Mathias must have spent too much time talking to me because Frank had jumped through the

mirror
and landed silently by Gussie’s bed. Before the Rau could even react Frank snapped his head and reached into his chest to pull out his heart.

I wanted to throw up at the sight before me. Frank’s arm was covered in blood, and when he threw the bloody organ into the corner, I had to swallow back bile. Mathias looked at me and wordlessly patted his shoulder. I let go of my father’s hand, climbed on Mathias’s back and through the mirror we went.

I decided to ignore the headless, heartless bastard in the room and went right over to my Aunt’s bedside with Mathias. She turned her head slightly and gasped

“Mathias? Mathias is that you?" she asked struggling to sit up in bed. Her unwashed blonde hair fell in strings past her shoulders, and her face was pale and drawn.

“Yes Augusta it’s really me," he answered

“Frank?" she said as her eyes latched on to his bloody figure before finally noticing me. “Who are you?"

“Gussie!" Cuddy yelled, his voice frantic but filled with joy

“Cuthbert, oh, sweetheart...” she cried as she looked up towards the ceiling. “Mother, I can’t believe. What’s going on…?" her voice stuttered before dropping away.

“Cecily,” Gussie whispered hopefully. “Cecily, you're here. You're here and, oh Cormac...”

I looked at Mathias impatiently. We did not have time for a family reunion right now.

“Aunt Gussie?" I asked trying to get her attention. “Julia’s here. Have you seen her?"

“Aunt Gussie?" she asked. “Why are you calling me...oh, my heavens, Cecily?"

“Gus, this is our daughter Willa. She’s come to rescue you.” Cecily answered

“Daughter?" she said. “Julia. Julia’s here. I haven’t seen her, but she’s close. They kept taunting me with her presence."

“It’s ok my beautiful angel. They’re going to bring her home. Do you want some gummy bears?" Cuddy asked right before he threw a bag of candy through the mirror.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me Uncle Cuddy,” I said exasperatedly. “Didn’t we already have a conversation about this?"

“Willa, she loves gummy bears,” Cuddy said apologetically

“Oh for fuck’s sake,” Mathias groaned before he reached down and picked up Gussie. They leaped through the mirror, and he transferred her weak body to Cuddy’s. He turned around and plunged right back into the room with Frank and me.

“Quietly,” he reminded me. He gave Frank a nod and slowly he opened the door to look out into the hallway.

Mathias! His necklace is glowing.
I yelled in his head

Mathias waved his hand to get Frank’s attention and motioned to his glowing pendant. Frank took off in a blur down the hall. Mathias and I crept to the door and saw Frank rip another Rau’s heart out before he dragged the lifeless body and head into an empty room.

Slowly we met by the door next to Gussie’s room. Mathias tore out the metal lock and entered cautiously. Frank stood close behind me while I followed Mathias inside the room.

Out of nowhere a body flung itself in my arms and cried out. “Oh, I knew you would come! I’m happy finally to meet you. Oh my goodness, where’s my mother? Is she already home?”

“Julia?" I asked, thrown off guard by her exuberant welcome

“Of course, silly!” she answered smiling knowingly. Julia looked exactly like the picture I had seen of her. She had long blonde hair, which looked to be in remarkable shape considering her confinement, dewy skin, and sparkling blue eyes.

Apparently Julia is very good at casting glamour spells.

“Julia has anything changed?” Mathias asked with urgency

“Yes. Frank, Leona is now being kept down the hall in a large feeding room. She’s locked in a cage. They’ve been torturing her by eating in front of her and whipping her with spiked metal bars.”

Frank looked sick and very pissed. Julia reached out and grabbed his arm before he took off down the hall. “You don’t have much time. Mathias, you need to help him. You have to try to get her out before they come. After you pull me through the portal, Willa will need to stay in my mother’s room while you both go free Leona."

Mathias’s eyes locked on mine. We didn’t need to have a conversation in our heads.

I knew exactly what he was thinking just by looking in his eyes. He did not want me out of his sight and, quite frankly, I wasn’t too keen on having him away from me either.

“It’s the only way. We must hurry. We are running out of time,” Julia said as her voice filled with anxiety.

That brought Mathias’s attention back to the situation real quick. He threw her on his back and dashed down the hall towards the portal. I followed him quickly with Frank right behind me.

Mathias was already coming back through the portal by the time we got there

“Stay here, do not leave this room until we get back, got it?" he asked dead serious

“Go." I said, nodding my head in consent. I wanted to get this over with and get the hell out of here as soon as possible.

Mathias and Frank took off out of the room and down the hall with a blur. I stood there anxiously in the room for a few minutes before I glanced up and froze when I caught my parent’s eyes.

They were full with fear. I looked down and realized why.

My necklace was glowing. That meant a Rau vampire coming my way.

I started breathing heavy and looked around in panic. I heard Julia shout “NO!" and then just as the door knob began turning Serena dropped down next to me. She pushed me behind her as a tall, skinny; pale white vampire came into the room.

His pupils’ glowed bright red, and he snarled menacingly. “What do we have here? Are you more guests for our party?"

Serena and I didn’t say a word. He sniffed the air and stopped in his tracks. “My, is it really a Guardian of the Solas and... a human?"

He glanced up and growled

“A portal,” he breathed “A portal to the Isle? This must be my lucky day."

Then he attacked Serena. Their two bodies were a blur of fists and legs kicking and pummeling each other. I backed out of the way and decided to call upon my fire so I could vaporize this fucker. In that split second that it took me to call my deadly element, my scent masking spell lifted and both Serena and the Rau stopped abruptly with their nostrils flaring.

That split second was all it took for him to rip her head off and her heart out.

I had heard cries above me before they started fading away. My father and I were so shocked that we had lost our focus, and now the portal was wavering. The Rau stood holding Serena’s heart high above his head with her blood dripping all over his arm and onto the floor. He laughed then he turned his attention on me.

I didn’t even skip a beat. I threw my fire at him and watched him burn, screaming in agony. I continued my assault until there was nothing but a small pile of smoldering ashes left. I then focused on the portal and through sheer will was able to get it back open.

Kathleen’s screaming was a sound I will never forget. I looked back at Serena, but I was too numb with pain to even form a sentence. I saw Riah drop down beside me. When he went over to Serena’s body and put her over his shoulder, with her head gently tucked under one arm, I finally let out a cry.