Blood Rose (Blood Books Book 1) (5 page)

Malik stood only a few feet from us, jaw clenched, face hard. “We found something.”

Jasik nodded, slid his weapon back into place, and walked away. My body ached as he left my side. The bright glow around him faded away, and I knew his magic was now out of reach.

Crossing my arms over my chest, I kicked the sticks at my feet. The lingering effects of magic took a heavy toll on my strength. After each ritual, our coven would feast. I imagined refueling a vampire was just as important.

“We mustn’t speak of her to anyone,” Malik said in a hushed tone. I glanced over as Jasik’s face grew grim.

“Neither the time nor place,” Jasik said, glancing at me. I looked away.

I ignored the vampires’ obvious attempt to withhold information from me and concentrated on the ache in my gut. I was hungry, and while it irritated me that they were blatantly keeping secrets, I was too worried about what feeding actually meant.

We left the clearing and emerged into the forest, quickly picking up our pace from a brisk walk to a full-on run. While we weren’t particularly near the neighboring human population, we were close enough to risk someone strolling by. These woods were known for their hiking grounds. I wondered if the vampires worried about my level of control. I shook away the concern and convinced myself that they were only worried about their own safety.

Mere minutes passed, but we ran several miles. We had run north, leaving behind California as we entered Oregon. During all of my hunts, I had never ventured this far north.

The vampires led me to a dying wolf. Its matted gray and white hair was stained with blood. As the smell hit me, a wave of hunger rocked my insides. My stomach lurched as if I hadn’t eaten in days, and my tongue went dry. My muscles tightened as I rubbed my dry tongue over my lips. I began to shake, and as each second passed, it became more difficult to control the urge.

My fangs lengthened as I released a small growl. I knew I was no longer in control. The part of me that rose to the surface was more terrifying than the vampires that surrounded me. I pounced on the wolf. I gave in to the need, to everything I had prayed I’d never become.

Digging my fangs into its body, I drank hard and long. Expecting it to taste no differently than rusty water, I was surprised when the thick substance coating my tongue was refreshing. It was sweet with a hint of bitterness, but most importantly, it was delicious. My muscles felt stronger, my senses more alert. I scrunched the wolf’s fur in my hands, pushing my face deeper into it; it ceased to struggle and whimper as it took its last breath.

Sticks crunched against the ground, and my head shot up. A pack of wolves emerged from behind the tree line. A large wolf stepped forward. The alpha. It released a loud growl as it continued to take steps toward me, challenging. I knew I had killed a member of its pack, and it was the alpha’s duty to protect its remaining members. But I refused to give up my meal.

I jumped to my feet and sprang before it. With my foot, I pushed the carcass farther behind me. I pulled my lips up, further exposing my fangs. Streams of blood dripped down my chin, and I released a growl. The alpha met my gaze and held it, but I refused to look away. He challenged me for only seconds before they began to slowly back away. Waiting until the crunches beneath their feet were no longer audible, I relaxed my strained muscles and sat down beside the dead wolf. I finished the final slurps and licked the drips of blood from my chin.

In that moment, I had forgotten who I was. I had killed a living creature, a child of Mother Nature. As a witch, I was raised to love all living things. We hadn’t abstained from eating meat, but my coven respected nature and lived peacefully among animals. We learned to give our livestock a peaceful life—and death. What I had done was a disgrace.

I stood, looking down at my hands. Chunks of gray, matted hair coated my fingers. Holding my hands up for all to see, I began to shake, and I looked at Jasik. I whimpered, my breathing coming in short bursts. I didn’t know why I looked to him, but I needed someone,
anyone
, to tell me what I had just done was okay.

He took the few steps that separated us and wrapped his arms around me, digging the fingers of his free hand into my hair. He rested his chin atop my head.

“It will become easier with time. I promise.”

I ignored his words. I had
killed
something. But worst of all, I had enjoyed it. I wanted him to tell me it was okay. I wanted him to make me forget. I wasn’t ready to hear that it would become easier, because I never wanted it to happen again.

Pulling away from him, I wiped my hands on a patch of grass, removing all evidence of my despicable actions. I wiped my tears away with my sleeve and walked toward the others.

I was stronger than I realized, yet weaker than I wanted to admit.

Quickening my pace, I caught up to Jeremiah and Lillie, leaving Jasik and Malik behind. The two were sparring in a grassy field. They ignored me and acted as if my actions weren’t uncommon. They acted as if they didn’t care.

I crossed my arms over my chest and let my breathing slow. Once my fear subsided, I watched the two fight. They seemed to use only enough strength to make their next move. I watched them as a predator stalked prey. It wasn’t uncommon of me: I had stalked and killed many vampires as a witch. I imagined I was fighting them. I saw openings that the other didn’t notice—or didn’t utilize. They fought for fun, for sport, not for victory.

“Shouldn’t we be going somewhere? Someone could see, and the sun…” I asked.

“This area is rural enough, and we have some time before the sun rises. We so rarely take time off to enjoy the beauties of life. I encourage indulging in what recreational activities we can when done hunting,” Jasik explained.

I said nothing. Instead, I thought about what he said. Vampires enjoying the beauties of life wasn’t something I had been taught. I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the creatures I was destined to kill, but in reality, there was so much I didn’t understand, so much I needed to learn.

“Lillie is our reader. Her ability to read her opponent’s mind gives her an advantage, but Jeremiah’s shield can prevent her from touching him. Their quarrels are quite amusing,” Jasik said as he stepped beside me.

“And you’re the healer,” I said, remembering how his essence had merged with mine. The warmth of his healing powers seemed to still linger. I glanced up to him, noticing the soft white glow that surrounded him.

“And Malik is a seer. His ability allows him to foresee events—tragic and not.” His eyes never met mine.

I returned my gaze to the fighting vampires. Just as Lillie somersaulted toward Jeremiah, an iridescent glow surrounded him, and he back-flipped away. They laughed as they fought, though both wore looks of disdain. It was clear they each didn’t want to hurt the other, but neither would simply give up the fight either.

They seemed to be masters at evading each other’s attacks. Being a reader, Lillie could read Jeremiah’s mind, so she was able to move quicker and cheat her way out of the hit. But Jeremiah did his fair share of cheating, too. Using his ability to shield, he created blockages, forcing Lillie into corners. As each landed a hit on the other, I was sure someone would hear. Though we hid deep within the woods just north of Mt. Shasta, the force behind their blows caused an echoing vibration that radiated through the forest.

“They fight like siblings,” I said with a chuckle.

“Jeremiah has only recently joined our coven.”

I smiled. His newborn-ness had been apparent even when I first saw him.

“He was turned after a near fatal wound acquired during the last world war,” Jasik continued. “Lillie has been with us much longer. She lost her family to the Spanish influenza. She changed willingly. Malik and I found her, dressed as a savage and living with Rogues. We almost killed her, but our realization that she could be helped saved her.”

Jasik watched the two fight, his eyes growing hazy, distant, as if he were reliving those moments in history. “I couldn’t imagine living forever without someone,” he whispered.

His honesty made my breath catch. The only vampires I had ever encountered didn’t express such emotion, such pain and longing. I knew of the pain he felt. I would remain ageless while my Pagan family would grow old and die. I’d watch as their skin turned to wrinkles. I’d watch as they took their last breaths, knowing I could offer them forever, but understanding that they would never accept my gift of eternal life, of eternal youth.

“How did you become a vampire?” I asked, curiosity getting the best of me.

“Malik and I died during the Black Plague. We lived in a small village in England. I was 25, Malik 28. We lost everything and everyone, and just as we were to take our last breaths, something came for us. We later awoke in London. We remained in hiding. Our High Priestess found us, and we have stayed with her ever since, moving from place to place, protecting our kind while simultaneously eliminating any threats.”

I silently thanked the gods I had paid attention in history. Mentally doing the math, I figured Jasik had to have been born by 1320s, which made him almost 700 years old. I shook my head at the thought. I didn’t understand the vampire species. How was it even possible? He didn’t look a day over… 25. Why would anyone want to live that long? Sure, Jasik didn’t have a choice, but Lillie had chosen this life.

I had chosen this life.

“It’s time,” Jasik said, breaking my silence.

“For?” I asked, confused.

“To determine your ability.”

I swallowed hard, taking a step forward. If I was going to survive this new life, I needed to know what I could do. The two vampires abruptly stopped and began approaching me, as if they sensed my willingness. I was encircled by vampires, a situation I had been in before, but this time, I wasn’t in it for the kill. I quivered at the thought.

I looked between them and then back to Jasik. He gave a slight nod to the others, and something hit me from the front. I was forced backward, flying through the air until I slammed against a tree. I fell to the ground, the bark scratching against my t-shirt. Dazed, I stood quickly.

The first rule of survival is to be alert. Always.

Crossing his arms, Jeremiah flashed me a wide grin. I knew he had somehow hit me with his shield. It felt like a shield of air, but more powerful. Nina’s ability would have been no match.

I furrowed my eyebrows as I ran toward them. My arms swung at my sides as my feet pounded against the ground. The two stood without moving and grinned as I approached. I jumped for Lillie, leaping into the air, higher than human legs would have taken me, but she stepped to the side before I reached her. Somersaulting on the ground, I jumped back to my feet and dashed toward Jeremiah, but I skidded to a stop.

An iridescent wall shimmered before him, enclosing both him and Lillie; their bubble of protection seemed impenetrable.

“This is cheating!” I yelled, crossing my arms over my chest.

They laughed as I pouted. I wanted to learn. I needed to learn—how to fight, how to use my power, how to be a vampire. Learning everything I could to become the best, the strongest Hunter, was the quickest way to get my revenge on the Rogues who took my life from me.

“You think this is funny?” I asked, annoyed.

I took a few steps forward and placed my hand against Jeremiah’s shield. Nothing happened. I balled my fist and thrust my arm back and forth. Each blow struck his shield, but the wall maintained its strength. I concentrated on the wall, on the strength to break his armor.

I thought of the strength of the earth and focused on using its energy to fuel my desire. Slowly, his wall began to give way. As it loosened, Jeremiah’s face grew grim. Ignoring the two trapped inside, I focused on my arm, absorbing as much strength as I could and allowing it to flow into each hit. The wall cracked, and I drew my arm back to make my final blow, but my fist was caught mid-air.

“Stop,” Jasik ordered, his hand clasping my wrist. “Look at what you’re doing!”

I ripped my hand from his grip and drew my arm again, but the shield was gone. Instead, I found Jeremiah sprawled across the ground. Lillie sat down beside him.

“What happened?” I asked, lowering my arms.

“You nearly broke through his shield,” Jasik said, staring at me in disbelief.

“You told me to fight!” I didn’t understand his anger, his confusion.

“Avah,” Jasik said, meeting my frustrated glare. “No one has ever broken Jeremiah’s shield before. And many have tried.”

“I… I’m sorry,” I said, turning to where the vampire lay. “Jeremiah, I’m so sorry.”

I sat beside him while Lillie placed his head on her lap. I was sure she didn’t want me near them, but she said nothing.

“Jeremiah,” I whispered as I rubbed my fingertips against his cheek. A hint of bitterness was in the air, and I inhaled deeply to welcome the scent. My fangs lowered in response as the deep red stain formed on Jeremiah’s torso. Lillie, already by his side, ripped open Jeremiah’s shirt, revealing a long slash embedded deep in his chest. He was badly bruised. My jaw dropped at the sight of his wounds.

Jasik fell to the ground, landing on his knees. His eyes took on an eerie glow as his fangs lowered, and he bit into his wrist. He placed his dripping wrist atop Jeremiah’s chest, and blood steadily dripped into the gaping slash. Within seconds, Jeremiah’s wound had healed and disappeared, and his eyes opened. Hacking, he buckled onto his side and buried his fingers in dirt. He took in quick, heavy breaths. Lillie helped lift him off the ground, keeping one of his arms around her shoulders so that he could lean on her.