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Chapter 166
Razor thin branches slapped at our faces, stinging our ankles and any visible piece of skin. The darkness was all consuming, the shadows thick as they surrounded us like the heavy fabric of a cloak.If only they protected us the way a cloak would, if only they offered their assistance as they had numerous times in the past.Something changed since I got my magic, and that something was big enough to alter the way the shadows acted around me.In the past, they’d jump at the opportunity to be of service, to exact a price they saw most fitting. Their whispers would plague my mind, their slippery voices a haunting song of desperation, excitement, and longing.I could hear their whispers, only this time they didn’t seem to be speaking to me, but to each other. Flinging them around the forest so quickly I couldn’t make out what the hell they were saying.“Wait a damn second.” I panted, gritting my teeth together as Cassidy stepped on something sharp and snarled angrily. The scent of fresh b
Chapter 167
Many hit the trees, rocks, and earth, but even more hit the Vampire’s that stalked us, wrapping around their limbs, and tightening their grip much like a snake would. It was both beautiful and deadly, watching them pierce their skin, seeing the looks of apprehension and confusion as they realized I was capable of so much more than their previous ruler. “Lola, remember you don’t want to kill them.” I heard Tristan murmur, barely registering the sound of his voice over the roar in my ears. His hand ghosted across my shoulder in a gesture meant to soothe me, but all it did was break the haze the addictive power I wielded had over me.The tendrils of shadow that had been tightening around their throats, turning their faces various shades of black and blue, loosened just enough to allow them air.Rather than show my emotions and express the ripple of doubt and regret that passed through me, I steeled my spine and faced them the way a true Queen would.“You have all made a grave mistake
Chapter 168
By the time backup arrived, and Rowena stabilized the Vampire whose heart were still beating after having her throat slit, I was utterly exhaustedThe trick I did, somehow managing to control the otherworldly power that was known for being uncontrollable, left me with little to no energy and a raging case of cotton mouth.Even worrying about Asher, which I’d been doing since the blood witch said he had problems of his own to deal with, sapped what little strength I had left.As I swayed where I stood, staring down at the five lifeless bodies, the shadows watched from their hidden alcoves within the forest. Tristan stood nearby, his eyes flitting to my face every few seconds as though he were worried I’d topple over at any moment.I sure felt like I was, but I’d never admit that.Instead I frowned at the blood that watered the earth and thought about the words that the blood witch uttered.“Make use of their blood…” I said quietly, lifting my gaze to peer at the darkness that surrounde
Chapter 169
“Did you seriously stop for coffee?” Tristan deadpanned; his expression unamused as he stared down at me.I shrugged and pushed past him. “Not all of us are used to night shift. Judging from your grumpiness, I’d say you’re not used to it either.”“I am not grumpy.” He huffed, blinking at me a few times before regaining his composure and leading the way through Asher’s maze-like dungeon.The network of underground tunnels wasn’t known to anyone in the pack but a select few that Asher trusted. I’d been more than reluctant to venture down there the first time Asher brought me. The entrance was in the basement of a local bar in town, part of the roadways that would allow alcohol to be smuggled in during the human’s insane prohibition.There was a slight sting of alcohol and fermented fruit that lingered within the tunnels, which helped to dull the scent of blood, sweat, and piss. Thankfully, having the Vampire placed in one of the nicer cells turned in our favor. The stench was far less
Chapter 170
‘Absolutely not.’There was no room for argument, no room for negotiation within the gruff plains of his voice. Not a single shred of remorse or sympathy was viable within his words, nothing I could play on or entice to change his mind.‘Asher, come on. I have to do this—’‘You don’t have to do shit.’ He snarled, the sound raising each and every hair on my body until I felt like I’d touched a live wire. ‘You can wait until we get back, then we can assemble an actual team to accompany us.’‘It’ll be too late by then. I’ve already told you that they change the location of their lairs. If I don’t act now, they’ll move somewhere else and then we’ll never find them. How can you not understand that?’ I barked, frustration sharpening my voice and tinting my vision in a dull shade of red.I was being insensitive, uncaring of the fact that he’d gone through so much while I was held captive by my father, but Asher was being so damn stubborn.‘I might be stubborn, but I’m not reckless. I don’t l
Chapter 171
“I hear our girl’s night has been cut short.” Holly stated as she stepped past the threshold and into the house Asher had built for me. As she spoke, her eyes scanned the foyer, her head pivoting back and forth to soak up every detail.I hummed my confirmation, motioning for her to follow as we passed through the dimly lit kitchen and into the living room. “Sorry about that, things sort of popped up at the last minute.”“Oh, no worries. I had a feeling something would come up. Truthfully, I’m just happy to be out of the house.” She smiled softly, striking a chord deep within my chest as I noticed the similarities between us. Releasing a sound of interest, she spoke. “Oh, so many windows! This might sound hard to believe, but I absolutely love natural light. I can’t stand being cooped up.”“That’s not hard to believe at all.” I murmured, thinking back to the meek and obedient girl I’d met, trapped within the walls of the warehouse our father called his home. “Does sunlight hurt you? I
Chapter 172
As always, Tristan had impeccable timing. Not ten minutes later he stood at the front door, an instant look of suspicion on his face when I opened it. He blocked the way with his lanky torso, not allowing me the chance to slip outside without thoroughly scanning the inside of the house. “Holly still here?” He asked, knowing full and well that she was.I rolled my eyes, sarcasm thickening my voice. “She’s in the living room doing a dark and ancient spell that could save us all, but it has horrible consequences.”Tristan blinked once, his already milky skin somehow growing paler. “It’s hard to tell when you’re joking sometimes.”“Obviously, I’m joking.” I sighed, patting his shoulder as I slipped out the front door. “We watched some romantic comedies and talked about boys. Really, you didn’t miss much. If you wanted to watch us do some magic, I’m sure we could uncover a spell or two—” “No, that’s alright.” He shook his head, pushing back his newly cropped locks with his hand. The l
Chapter 173
Judging from the small building the wedding was being held at, it was initially meant to be an intimate event. As grandma mentioned earlier, the couple in question had high hopes that a wedding was just what people needed to lift spirits. As it turns out, they were right.There were cars spilling out of the little parking lot, parked alongside curbs and even up on the flat, grassy areas. Dainty paper lanterns suspended on thin fishing wire were what led guests to the front doors, though many just walked around the building to where the party was overflowing into the grass. A hastily thrown together dance floor had been constructed out back, along with a dozen or so tiki torches and streamers in various shades of violet.The sign out front read, ‘Chatham Recreational Center.’ The music pouring from within was loud and upbeat, matching the laughter that drifted throughout the air. Children darted in and out, weaving between adults who were either drinking, eating, or dancing.There was