Twisted (Rogues Shifter Series Book 3) (4 page)

“No. It just feels like a couple of needle pricks.” I didn’t look up at him. “Don’t be nervous. It tastes good. You’re a shifter, so you’ve hunted, right? You’ve had fresh blood?” I nodded. “What kind of a shifter are you?”

“A cheeah.” He must think I’m a total dweeb. The swelling was making it practically impossible to speak clearly.

“Whoa,
well that’s really cool.” I glanced up through my lashes and tried to smile, suddenly not feeling so embarrassed. “Give me your wrist, Bridgett.” Not knowing why he needed it, I stretched out my hand and watched as William gently brushed off the dirt and then lifted my wrist to his nose, apparently to catch my scent. His fangs popped right out. Okay, so that was way cool. He smiled, then lowered my hand and bit into his own, then held his bleeding wrist to my mouth.

I latched on without too much trouble, despite my swollen lip. A
fter only a few seconds a soothing heat washed over my body, taking away most of my pain and sending tingling energy to my cuts, swollen bruises and broken bones. Amazingly I could feel my nose quickly knitting itself back together along with my broken rib. Even my swollen face started to shrink back to normal size. And yeah, he tasted really good.

His eyes were on my mouth as I drank from him and he was breathing deeply
, which was weird ‘cause I heard that vamps didn’t really have to breathe. Maybe he liked the smell of my blood, which was splattered all over my clothes. His eyes were dotted in silver and his fangs hadn’t gotten any shorter, which, I was pretty sure, meant that he was enjoying the experience.  I wondered if it really mattered who drank from him. I mean, any female would probably affect him the same way. The women he fed from probably fed from him too, at least that’s what I’d heard they did. I’d never spent any time with vampires.

“You have beautiful eyes, Bridgett. They’re the same color as Jackie’s.” When he mentioned her name, I wrinkled my brow
, feeling guilty again. He must have picked up on it.

“Garrett will get her back, don’t worry. He’s an amazingly powerful vampire.” He reached over and inserted his finger in the corner of my mouth which broke the suction, then removed his wrist and licked it to heal his wounds. He never broke eye contact with me, which made me wonder if he was trying out his glamouring skills. I was definitely feeling a relaxing warmth all around my body and I’d decided that when it came to healing, vamp blood was the shit
. I sat transfixed as he put his finger in his mouth and then carefully wiped his saliva on two spots just above my lip and then over my nose. “That’s so you don't scar.” His touch made my whole body shiver. It felt so good, that I leaned a little closer.

H
e grinned at me and wrinkled his brow. “This is so strange. Sasha and Heinrich make fun of me all the time because I’m sort of shy around women. But I feel comfortable with you. I wonder if it’s the cheetah thing.” His fangs had disappeared and the silver was gone from his blue eyes.

I could speak normally again.
Yay.
"I'm not a healer like Jackie. Maya says I’m more of a brainiac and could be a fighter if I get some training.” I was trying to act like what he'd said about
feeling comfortable with me
was no biggie, but my heart was jack-hammering in my chest and I was pretty sure that he could hear it.

He pointed to his chest.
“Not much of a warrior here. I’m all brainiac, at least, before I was turned.”

“You’re super strong and fast now that you’re a vampire
, right?”

"
I haven’t really been strong enough to fight. I guess now that I’m with Garrett’s nest and part of the team, I might be able to train a little.”

My stomach picked that minute to
growl loudly, so I looked down, hoping he didn't think I was too lame. “Garrett said you need to eat. I'll take you down to the kitchen.”

“I think I should take a shower. I
must look awful.”

“Y
ou look like a warrior returning after a battle, Bridgett.” I loved the way my name sounded when he said it. He stood up and offered me his hand, which was pale and perfect. I only managed to stare at it like an idiot. He smiled and reached for mine and pulled me very gently up off of the couch, not wanting my still-mending ribs to hurt me. The vampire blood had helped a lot with the major injuries, but the bruises would take days to disappear and I'd be sore for quite a while.

We walked down the stairs to the kitchen together. His skin was soft and cool
and the hand he'd wrapped around mine fit perfectly. I sighed and wished that the trip down to the kitchen would last a little bit longer.

Chapter Seven

Garrett:
1:15 AM Wednesday

When I got back from feeding, Bridgett was eating at the kitchen table and William was sitting next to her. I heard Sasha and Heinrich downstairs so I mentally called them upstairs to the living
room. Ten minutes later Liam called me and I took the call outside.

“When I traveled the lines I was able to make contact with her through her own dreams
. She's in a small, plain bedroom without windows but is not hurt and is not tied up. There was a plate on a table and I believe she has eaten. She doesn’t seem to be able to access the lines at all. Kennet must be blocking them. I will contact my brother to see if he can find an area where the magic had been disrupted. Samson seems to be leading me north so I will continue to make short trips through the lines in that direction.”

“
Call me as soon as you know anything else.”

I called Ethan
on his cell. “You and Kyle should head north. Call Liam and he’ll fill you in. I’d like you to try to stick near him in case anything comes up. Keep you eyes open for any kind of unusual activity. Kennet’s working with someone, whether it’s another wolf pack or some other supernatural group. Sinc and William will be online 24/7 to take your calls or to research whatever you need. Make sure you’re covered in the weapons department with silver and iron.”

“Kyle made sure we took
everything
.” He laughed. “We’ll keep in touch on a regular basis. We’re gonna find her, Garrett.”

“I know, thanks.” I hung up
, hoping that he was right. Golden light flashed in the woods nearby and Lord Caelen strode onto my patio deck with a worried expression. We greeted each other with the usual nods and he followed me quickly into the living room for the meeting. As I passed the kitchen table I motioned for Bridgett and William to follow us inside. Sasha was stretched out on the sofa and Heinrich was in one of the leather arm chairs. Sinc was sitting on a bar stool using her laptop.

I sent to Sasha and Heinrich, “
Stand up please. This man will be respected as you respect
me.”
They both stood quickly and watched me as I introduced all of them to Lord Caelen, an Elder of the Fae Council, Liam’s father. He took the time to greet each one of them.

When he got to Bridgett he arched an eyebrow and asked, “Are you Jacqueline’s newly disc
overed sister?" She nodded. "I understand the prisoners of your father have granted you mercy.”

Bridgett lowered her gaze to the floor. “
I was wrong and I’m—I’m sorry.”  Her eyes met his with a spark of courage. “I’ll do whatever I can. Whatever you ask me to do.” She’d spoken steadily, although it was easy to see that she was terrified of his power after her experience with Kennet. There was more to this girl than I’d originally assumed and I think Caelen saw it too.

“Did Kennet injure y
ou? Is that your blood on your clothes?”

“Yes sir.”

There was a tiny glint of humor in his eyes, but it disappeared quickly. “Child, because of your blood tie with Jacqueline, I’ll make an effort to remain optimistic about your ability to redeem yourself. I’ll be watching you closely.” He wasn’t smiling now and neither was anyone else in the room. We all felt the tension, especially Bridgett.

I broke i
t by getting everyone seated, offering Caelen one of the arm chairs while I took the other. Bridgett and William sat on bar stools next to Sinc while Sasha and Heinrich sat on the couch.

“Would you like wine or something else to drink, Lord Caelen?” I felt it was impor
tant to keep the meeting formal, using his title and keeping the tone serious.

“No thank you
.”

I
briefly described what we knew about the abduction and where we were as far as our investigation was concerned. I told him where Liam, Kyle and Ethan were headed. He listened to everything quietly and then asked some questions.

“Are you joining the search yourself?”

“I’m leaving tonight.” There were a few surprised expressions, but no one dared to question me in front of my guest.

“Who will be in charge here?”

“Rob during the day and,“  I turned toward the couch and stared at my second, “Sasha at night.” I sent to him, “
But if you fuck this up I will hang you in the sun. Is this clear?”

He smiled
. “Yes, Garrett. I’m relieved that you trust me. Thank you.”

“We’ll talk later.”
I turned back to Lord Caelen. “Sinc and William, " I hesitated, "and Bridgett will deal with the computer and phone calls under Rob’s direction. Heinrich will act as nighttime security. Elizabeth, a friend of mine who's a witch will be checking in too. Maya is staying in town to keep the community in the loop. Her house is warded as well.

“You’ve accomplis
hed a lot in a very short time. Aedus and Brina are on their way to Liam and I have contacted Angel.”

“The sorcerer?”

“Yes…his specialty is finding people and he knows many of the scum that Kennet has worked with, even some of the Unseelie. Did you know that Kennet’s had dealings with the goblin king in the past?”

“I’d heard the rumor but wasn’t sure if it was true.”

“It’s true and if that’s who he’s working with now, we may have a war on our hands.” Lord Caelen stood. “I will go and report to the Elders.”

“I’ll walk you out.” I turned to the others. “Please stay here. There’s more to discuss.”

When we got to the patio he clasped my shoulder. “She’ll be found and she’ll be safe at home soon. There is other blood flowing in her veins that may protect her.“

“Other blood?” I asked, confused.

“You must have tasted it. I see it in her eyes and I can smell it on her breath. There is some other ancestor whose power she has inherited. It’s not fae, but it is just as formidable.” He held his hand to his heart and nodded. “Good night, Garrett, and bon chance.”

“Merci, Lord Caelen.”  I watched him walk back into the woods and then I turned and headed inside for my final meeting. I had to be very direct with them if they were going to survive the next few weeks.

Chapter Eight

Jackie: 2:30 AM Wednesday

My conversation with Isaiah had been cut short when he’d suddenly bowed and disappeared. Having nothing else to do
, I showered and dressed in another gown from the drawers, this one in aquamarine. I tried over and over to send out messages but knew that nothing was getting through the block. In the end, I fell asleep again.

I awoke to the sensation that Kennet was in the room. I could smell him. He was the only fae I’d eve
r met who smelled—unnatural. The fae were creatures of nature, smelling to me of healthy growth and life magic. Kennet reeked of death and dark secrets and blood. His eyes were the same deep purple as the other older Fae, but they were also incredibly cruel.

Keeping my eyes closed and lying perfectly still, I thought back to when I’d first met him at the duel. Although I hadn’t ever felt comfortabl
e with him, he hadn’t felt
off
like he did now. I sensed that he was using blood magic because he was becoming desperate, which made him much more dangerous. Blood magic was forbidden by the fae Elders because it used death as its power source instead of nature and life.

He moved closer to the bed.
I was afraid, but I kept my breathing even. Maybe he’d just watch me and then leave.

“You’re quite good, but I know you’re awake. Open your eyes, Jacqueline, and sit up.”

I did as he said, partly because his voice was compelling, but mostly because I needed to keep an eye on him so I could defend myself if necessary. I doubted that I'd have a chance against him if he chose to overpower and rape me, but I'd do whatever I could. My nails were pretty sharp and I was stronger than I looked. Maybe there was a chance I could avoid all of that. Taking in a long deep breath,  I focused on  convincing him that he didn't really want me.

I swallowed down my fear as he spoke again. “If you do as I ask, I will give you more comfortable living quarters. I don’t particularly enjoy visiting you here.”
He looked around with distaste.

“What is it that you want, Lord Kennet?”
I tried to sound respectful.

“I’ve made it clear what I want
, Jacqueline.” He sat in one of the chairs next to the table. He wore a long purple robe and sash made of a fabric that shimmered. His hair hung loosely over his shoulders and around his neck hung a large gold chain decorated with jewels. Slightly ostentatious, but completely in character.