Under the Full Moon (Crimson Romance) (16 page)

“I agree with Squire. You owe us no further explanation.” Moss gentled.

“Oh don’t I? I’m not convinced you truly understand the level of dark they are. Octavia, my grandmother, was a saint compared to the rest of them.”

“Finish your story,” Beth urged, surprising them all.

“Other members had been given the test to kill
both
of them. They were aware Samantha was a member of the group vying for entry, same as them, and it hadn’t mattered. The things they did to both … to her before they slaughtered them and,” Lily’s hand covered her mouth and her eyes closed as if she feared vomiting, “ate part of their remains.”

“Oh my fucking God. Did you say ate?” Beth visually turned green, Moss hung his head and Damien just felt even more crazed to find Grace.

“They took turns pleasuring themselves with both, then stabbed, strangled, and slowly killed them. When they were dead, one ate her heart and the other member ate the congressman’s. Not only were these sick bastards laughing while viewing the tape, but they were dining during the show.”

“The news only reported the deaths seemed ritualistic. I understand now what gave them the impression,” Beth whispered, still rather queasy in appearance.

“After the horror of what I’d witnessed, I began investigating. I mean I’d understood the group was bad, but not straight out crazy people-eating evil. I’d been told my mother chose to leave rather than stay. Had prayed she’d been forced to leave, but still lived and fought to find a way back to me. But I think on some deep level I knew she would never have left me. In my snooping I discovered they’d killed her. In the same bungalow as the murdered pair I watched on the video.”

“Wait. Crap, I can’t believe I forgot about this.” Beth bounced off the counter she’d been leaning against like her ass caught fire.

Though now little more than a pile of dry rot toothpicks, Grace curled up under the faint cover of the cabin she and Henry had started together before he’d vanished. Old memories wove in comforting fashion around her heart and were the only things blocking the ivy vines of darkness trying to root within.

Bits and pieces of Demetrius still clung to the remnants of her dress and though a warm breeze carried over the placid waters before her, she shivered uncontrollably.

She’d killed them. Killed Damien.

Grace sunk to the ground beneath her, which after all the years of abandon was now more dirt than floor, and hugged her knees to her chest. Sobbing, she rocked back and forth grieving all the things that should have been and would be no more.

Her life with Henry. The happiness they’d vowed to create for themselves. She even remembered the first piece of wood they hammered up when building commenced on the shack she now sought shelter within. If she knew then she would end up here, within the paradise they thought they’d built, broken and alone …

No, I wouldn’t give up one damn moment of my time with him. There were happy moments here with Henry.

Though construction stood unfinished, one night he’d set up a surprise. He’d blindfolded her and drove her out here. Carried her over the threshold of what was to have been their honeymoon suite and home. God, she could swear she still smelled the salmon he’d smoked. Henry made them their first candlelit dinner in their almost new home. She’d laughed because he’d been so proud of himself and then tripped over a two-by-four and dropped the bottle of wine. Grace peered over to a corner where her heart skipped a beat as she eyed the still stained wood.

She’d been so sure fate took mercy on her when Damien arrived in her life. She’d truly never thought to love again. How could any woman not take special note of him? Large, muscled and complete perfection. His dark hair, thick and long. His blue eyes so light they hypnotically drew you in. Hell, even his scent, smile and the way he laughed, rare as it may have been, promised untold pleasures. And even when she wasn’t one hundred percent certain he returned her interest, least not in the long-term sense, she’d decided she’d go after him. Make him change his mind. That’s how much the man affected her.

She found not a damn thing about him she didn’t like. Well, except for his Bohemian attitude about her being the little lady. She’d been on her own far too long to cruise into such mentality. But given time he would have learned she was quite competent all on her own.

Or so she’d thought. Today proved otherwise and their lives were lost in her attempt at doing so.

Why didn’t I wait?
Damien would still be alive. Instead he lay dead, and all because of her recklessness.

No longer caring about a damn thing, she laid her head on the ground and watched the sunset in the lone window that remained in the tattered remains of her memories. She shut her eyes as the sun slid into her beloved swamp and prayed she never woke up.

• • •

He wasn’t sure how, but Damien sensed Grace’s distress. “What do you remember?” he asked to prompt Beth with her memory. “She mentioned years ago a place she and her fiancé built. Before he up and disappeared and all.”

“Did she happen to mention where the place was located?” Now things were moving in the direction he needed. A direction which may lead him straight to Grace. He stalked toward Beth unintentionally aggressive, prompting Moss to step in front of her with a stance threatening retribution if he didn’t cool his jets. He nodded to show his shit was in check. Barely, but nonetheless he would never harm Beth. But hearing a lead where Grace may be damn near felt like someone hooked up electricity to him. He was super charged and ready to bring Grace home where she belonged.

Home?

Fuck yeah. Grace was home. His dumb, hardheaded ass recognized the fact now. Gods be, he prayed his acknowledgement was not too late in coming.

“She never gave me an address. I just know it’s a special piece of land hidden nearly in the swamp itself. She always glowed when she spoke of the place.”

“She did?” Squire broke in.

Damien didn’t like Squire’s interruption nor the half-assed triumphant look on the man’s face.

“Her heart shattered the day Henry never returned. But she never gave up hoping. Prayed one day he might come strolling in,” Beth said.

“So she never went on to marry?” Again, the asshat Squire took them off course and continued to piss the fuck out of him.

“Can we get back on fucking track?” Damien tried to step between the hijacked conversation.

“She pined for years over the man. Hell, all the way up until she met … ” Damien caught Beth’s gaze flick his way before she trailed off. Grace’s feelings toward him were a private matter. One which he intended on getting to the bottom of once he found her. He’d prove how much he loved her and would be a worthy mate.

“Then to find out he stopped fighting for her and decided to become one with the swamp creature he’d been cursed to share a soul with? Hell no. Aunt Grace is worth fighting for ‘til the day she dies. So, he lost my vote.”

“How are you aware of his fate? Are so sure of what transpired of her missing fiancé?”

“Well Moss and Damien heard rumor the some dipshit chose to turn into his animal counterpart. Yes, it may be only rumor and maybe it wasn’t even him, but I doubt that considering the name overheard was Henry. The name of her missing finance. Rumor also had it that the animal was killed.” Beth glanced at him then turned to Moss for confirmation. He nodded before attempting to get them back on track.

“Excuse me while everything Beth said is true — are we going to rescue Grace or continue discussing some deadbeat fiancé? Because if I have to head out and check every damn piece of shit shack on the swamp I will, but isn’t it best for Grace if we try to jog your memory of where and speed up finding her?” Beth’s attention swung back to him. She looked a little confused by the drilling Squire just put her through. Damien suspected the why, but shoved the thought to the back burner for now.

“I can’t think of anything more details.”

“Maybe a bend in the water or old oak trees … something?” he prompted Beth.

“I might have an idea where she is,” Lily quietly spoke.

“How would you possibly know?” Damien saw the glint in Beth’s eyes turn downright dangerous looking.

“Lily has visions occasionally,” Squire offered quickly, but Damien smelled bullshit. The man was lying out his ass. But why? Even Beth picked up on the swift cover-up attempt as did Moss, judging by the slight nod he gave.

“So where then?” Her hands were planted on her hips, but the set in her jaw told Damien Beth was about to go off in a big way if Lily didn’t answer fast and truthful. No more crap.

“It’s at the end of what is now known as Heaven’s End. I can lead you there, but I really wanted to stay close to the phones for word on Trick.”

“Lily, come with me and we can check on Trick before leaving.” Squire escorted Lily from the room before any of them could argue.

Once the three of them were alone, Damien came straight out with it.

“He’s hiding something. Big.”

“Damn straight he is. The lie’s stinking up the whole room,” Moss agreed.

“What are they all hiding from us and why? I thought the whole point in the invitation was to join forces in fighting the Society. Now, I’m wondering if this whole ruse was simply to keep us under their watchful thumbs.” Beth slammed her palm down on the counter behind her.

“What do you mean?” Moss asked.

“While we’ve been here, they’ve been able to keep watch over our every movement.” Damien answered for her, seeing where her line of reasoning headed.

“Exactly.”

“I apologize for the delay.” They turned to see Squire stroll into the room alone.

“Where’s Lily? We need to leave. Enough stalling. Grace’s life is at stake and now is no time for coddling the girl.” Damien stated.

“I assure you, I coddled no one. Lily and Trick formed a rather special bond. One that has left her uniquely tied to him. It is in her best interest to return to the hospital and be by his side.”

“I thought you said it was too risky for her to do that?” Damien questioned the sudden change in plans. What had changed since earlier when the girl begged to stay and now? All the unanswered questions simply snowballed and added to his sense of unease.

“Trick slipped into a coma. The doctors are stumped as to why his condition continues to worsen. They’d feared he wouldn’t make it, then he rallied for the better. Out of the blue they claim his vitals became unstable again and has now drifted into the coma. I felt it best someone he’s familiar with be at his side.” Squire said.

Damien nodded in agreement. As much as he’d like to check on the kid himself, Grace’s safety took priority. Always would.

“Lily gave me directions, which I wrote down. Are we ready to leave?” Squire abruptly changed the subject again, but Damien didn’t give a rat’s ass. He’d been ready and wouldn’t be able to hold back his animal counterpart straining for its mate any longer. He stormed out of the room ahead of the others, and barreled for the front door.

“Guess that answers my question,” he heard Squire mutter behind him.

He rode with Squire, this time in a Range Rover that Slick, Punge, and Branch had thoroughly checked for any booby traps, namely bombs. Squire even gave the vehicle a once over himself, as did Damien before climbing in. Didn’t stop the nervous twitch Squire gave right before he turned the keys. Truth be told, Damien heard the hitch in everyone’s breath when Squire turned the ignition over.

The ride for the most was short and quiet. Was Grace someone’s captive or had she run to the symbol of her first love? And if so, what did this say about where her heart really lay?

He wasn’t stupid. All he could offer may not be enough. Deep down Damien understood he’d never be able to offer her the kind of life Henry would have. The type she deserved … but damned if he didn’t want her anyway. Wanted to try to make her every moment in life safe, happy and loved.

But very soon he might get the truth. Funny thing was, he wasn’t sure he could handle it.

They’d gone down more back roads than most would have been able to remember, but Damien mentally bookmarked each one of them. He’d never be somewhere and not find his way out. That said, he knew the swamps like the back of his hand. He’d always find his way home. Always.

Finally the Range Rover drew to a stop in front of a rickety half-built shack. Even as dilapidated as the thing had become, Damien envisioned the beauty of what would have been had things not gone awry for Grace and her beau. Sadness rooted deep for her. For the pain she’d endured alone.

“Can you feel the emotion radiating around us?” he heard Beth whisper to Moss.

“Yes. Like sorrow has woven around all life within this area.” The slight rustling sound of a body moving indicated Moss had embraced Beth.

Smart man. Recognizes what he has and holds on tight.

Though sad for Grace, had her fiancé not disappeared, he and Grace would have never met, Damien mentally admitted. For this reason, and though he wouldn’t have wished the evil of Octavia on any man, he would not lie and say a part of him wasn’t glad the fiancé had vanished.

Grace belonged with him. Period. Now that his dumb hard-headed self had figured out his ass from his heart, anyone trying to get in his way would wish to their God they hadn’t.

“She’s here. I detect her scent,” Squire said and his tone sounded … off. Damien wasn’t sure what undertone he picked up from the man, but it had him ready to kill. Fighting back his territorial instinct to destroy Squire over the comment
,
Damien exited the car before Squire managed to get a leg out.

Damien cupped his hands around his mouth as he yelled, “Grace” and prayed for a response.

Silence.

“Grace. Are you here?” he called again as he moved toward the ruins, cautious and wary for any potential traps.

Silence.

“Oh God, what if she isn’t?” Beth’s voice broke as the question trembled from her lips.

Damien spotted the rickety dock that led out to the floating shack. The place sat situated half on land, half off, as a small waterway stood between land and home. He tested each plank and though the old weathered wood creaked in protest, it appeared to be able to hold his weight.