Illusions
Author: Kristen Middleton
Date: 2014-04-14 04:00:00+00:00
Keywords: Paranormal; Vampires; Paranormal Romance
Description: Fourth and Final Installment of Night Roamers! First Book is free (Blur) Determined to locate Anne, Nikki and Nathan attend their mother's feigned funeral in Shore Lake. Meanwhile, Duncan goes missing after doing a little of his own investigating into Anne's disappearance, while Celeste's estranged brother, Martin, returns to Montana to avenge his father's death. In this last installment of Night Roamers - illusions are revealed, lies are exposed, and love's fate is once again... tested. Will Nikki finally learn the truth of what's been happening in Shore Lake, or is she still just a pawn in t

Copyright © 2014 Kristen Middleton

Cover by Book Cover By Design

Edited by C.J. Pinard

The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead is coincidental and not intended by the author.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without express written permission of the author.

A huge thank you to:

Those who’ve encouraged, inspired, and supported me on this new journey.

Chapter One



The clanging of metal echoed throughout the dark, musty dungeon. The prisoner, his wrists tethered above his shoulders, slowly raised his head.

A woman spoke. “Is he conscious?”

“Barely,” replied the guard.

“Let’s remedy that then, shall we?” she replied, a smile in her voice.

The echo of footsteps moved through the corridor toward his cell, and he clenched his jaw when she stopped outside of the metal bars, grinning like the Cheshire cat.

“Oh, honey, you don’t look so good,” she mocked as the guard unlocked the door. “I’ll bet you’d love a little snack. How long has it been? Two weeks?”

It had been much longer. His hunger was now so brutal that he’d started hallucinating. The only thing that kept him sane was the possibility of escape and revenge against the monster standing before him.

“Nothing entices me more than an arrogant vampire at my mercy,” she stated, smiling in approval as she stepped inside his cell.

He glared at her as she moved around him like a lioness, circling her prey.

She clucked her tongue. “Have nothing to say? Still not interested in begging for my forgiveness?”

He didn’t give her the satisfaction of a response. He just continued to stare at her with loathing.

“Dear… dear… you certainly don’t appear happy to see me,” she said, feigning sadness. “I’m somewhat hurt.”

He sighed and looked away, refusing to let her needle him. He knew it would only end in more savagery from the guard if he opened his mouth and told her what he really felt.

“Don’t you dare dismiss me,” she growled, poking him in the chest with a long painted nail. “Who in the hell do you think you are?!”

Her touch undid him. He snapped his head back. “Don’t you fucking touch me!”

A smile tugged at her lips. “Don’t touch you?”

He gritted his teeth. “You heard me.”

“I will do whatever I want to you.”

“Why are you doing this?” he growled. “I’ve done nothing to you!”

“Nothing? This is your penance,” she said, raising her voice. “You caused this! Hell, you should be happy that I haven’t ended your life, just like you tried ending mine.”

That’s right. He’d almost forgotten.

His lips tilted at that memory.

Her eyes narrowed. “Oh, that amuses you? You know, I would have given you everything, but you threw it all away. And for what? A little mortal whore?”

His smile faltered

She smirked. “What’s wrong? Do you miss her?”

He looked away.

She drew her hand up toward his cheek. “Miss her caresses?”

He flinched before her fingertips reached his skin.

She lowered her hand. “You’re wasting your time, pining for her. She doesn’t miss you one bit. In fact, she despises you.”

“No,” he whispered hoarsely.

“Oh yes,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. “And because you’re in here, there is absolutely nothing that you can do about it.” Her smile widened. “Nothing at all.”

Grief and longing made his chest ache. He’d tried to forget about the girl, to ease the pain of missing her. But his heart allowed him no mercy. Even now, images of her warm smile and flawless, pale skin were his only light in the darkness.

His keeper’s eyes searched his. “I would have given you everything, you know. Power, money, me…” Her eyes welled up and she blinked back the tears. “You’re nothing but a pathetic fool.” She turned to the guard. “He’s a fool. Don’t you agree?”

The guard, a tall, burly vampire with long, black hair and a tattoo of a cobra that ran across his collarbone, nodded. “Yes. You’re too good for the likes of him. I’d die for you. Any of us would die for you.”

She smiled in gratitude. “Thank you, Godrick.”

He took a step closer, his massive girth making her appear almost delicate. “If you’d like, I’ll kill him this instant. I will prove my loyalty to you and make him suffer like he’s never suffered before.”

Her smile was beaming. “I’m quite sure you would do it in a heartbeat, but that won’t be necessary.”

“Just tell me when…” said the guard. “Your wish is my command.”

“You’re so sweet, but when the time comes, I will be the one to end his life. In fact, I want to look into his eyes when it happens.” Her eyes grew brighter. “Watch him beg for mercy.”

Godrick nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

She patted the guard’s thick bicep. “But I do applaud your commitment to me, Godrick. It’s very refreshing after what I went through with our little prisoner. I have to admit – he never praised me the way that you have. Never.”

“He’s a waste of oxygen,” replied the guard with a sneer, “and obviously a very stupid fool.”

She chuckled. “You’re probably right. Speaking of space,” she poked the prisoner in the stomach. “There seems to be a little too much in his ribcage. We mustn’t let him fade away to nothing, as much as that would please me. Why don’t you go and fetch the girl?”

“Of course. Right away,” said the guard, walking away.

She turned back to the prisoner. “He’s right. I am too good for you. It’s quite obvious.”

He ignored her.

“You used to find me irresistible,” she whispered, tracing a finger down his bare chest. She stopped at the fly of his jeans and he noticed that her pupils were large and dark.

So, she does still desire me…

The wheels in his head began to turn.

“Sometimes, you even bowed to my every whim…” she said.

He knew that wasn’t true, but in her screwed up mind, she believed it.

She traced a finger along his zipper. “You still want me. I knew it,” she said, staring at him in triumph, as his jeans tightened around his hips. “Don’t you?”

He bit back the truth. To most, she was a vision of beauty, with her shiny blonde hair, high cheekbones, and full lips. To him, she was nothing more than a leper and his sudden excitement had nothing to do with her. It had everything to do with vengeance.

She grabbed him by the neck and stared up into his icy blue eyes. “Fortunately for you, I’ve been merciful. I don’t know why, but I still have this soft spot for you.” She sighed. “Anyone else? I would have ripped them apart by now.”

He knew her feelings for him had nothing to do with love. It was an obsession. A poison.

Just then, the guard brought in a young woman. She was in her early twenties, voluptuous, and had large, green eyes that were glazed over.

“Come here,” ordered his keeper.

The compliant slave stepped forward.

His captor turned back to him. “So, just like before – I’m going to let you feed. Then Godrick is going to beat the hell out of you. How does that sound?”

Sighing, he looked away.

She moved to his ear and whispered. “I will break you eventually. You know that, don’t you?”

It took all of his willpower not to slam his forehead against hers. He knew if he did, he’d never get the chance to scape.

She licked her lips, leaned forward, and trailed her tongue across his cheek. “Even if I have to bring your little slut here and shove a stake through her heart. Along with her boyfriend. What’s his name?” She snapped her fingers. “Oh, yes – Duncan?”

His nostrils flared.

She laughed wickedly. “Didn’t expect that one, did you? They are together now. In every way. And, I’m quite sure that she would rather die than let you touch her again. But not Duncan. He touches her every night. In places that you will never know again.”

He pulled at his chains, rage burning a hole inside of him as he pictured them together.

She stepped back, her eyes hard and cruel. “She loathes you. Believes that you’ve deceived her, Ethan. Believes that it was you who offered her to the lycan.”

He froze and stared at Faye in disbelief.

“She’ll never trust you again. You broke her heart,” she said, smiling bitterly. “Just like you did mine.”

“No,” he rasped. “You’re lying.”

With her eyes gleaming triumphantly, she stepped back and transformed herself into him. She grinned darkly. “Am I?”

Chapter Two

Nikki



Mom’s bogus funeral was held on Friday afternoon at Our Savior’s, a small Baptist church on the outskirts of the town. Nathan and I drove together, while Duncan snuck over to Victor’s cabin in search of some kind of evidence that would prove she was still alive. Although we’d been staking out his place the last few nights, it was clear that Victor had moved her to a remote location.

“They must be having the service outside,” remarked Nathan as we pulled up in his Mustang. Surprisingly, Victor had released it to him the week before, explaining that our mother would have wanted it that way. We both agreed that he was only trying to placate us and get us out of his hair while he continued his schemes.

I noticed a small group of people huddled behind the church, near the gravestones in the back cemetery, and smiled wryly. “Makes sense. Victor would probably fry if he walked into a holy place.”

“Sorry,” replied Nathan, tapping the steering wheel with his fingers nervously, “but, I think it’s vampires that can’t step into church or onto any type of sacred ground.”

I snorted. “Seriously? That’s just based on movies and you know it. I believe that we already proved that I’m not afraid of crosses.” I looked up toward the sky. “Nor the sun. Well, not very much, at least,” I added, pulling my shades closer to my face.

He shrugged. “Hey, I’m just saying that you might want to be a little extra cautious.  Take your time walking into the church. Maybe test it out. You know, in case you start to melt or something.”

“Nathan, I believe you’re thinking of the witch from the Wizard of Oz. Anyway, just because my DNA has been altered, doesn’t mean that I’m an enemy of the church. Heck, I pray, just about every night that mom is alive and well.”

His lips twisted into a sardonic grin. “You’d better change your prayer, now that she’s a vampire and already dead.”

I rolled my eyes. “We’re not dead. We just have different eating requirements and,” I sneered, “can kick your mortal ass faster than you can fart.”

“Don’t think just because you can kick my ass, you have the upper hand,” he sneered back. “I now have an arsenal of wooden stakes and hammers.” He reached under the seat and pulled out a Forty-Four Magnum. “Plus, I have this bad boy.”

I gasped. Nathan’s only experience with guns included a BB and a Twenty-Two. This was an entirely new ballgame. “Jesus. Isn’t that a little overkill?”

He quickly shoved it back under the seat. “Relax. Duncan gave it to me. Along with a shitload of silver bullets.”

“Silver bullets? Where did he find those?”

“Sonny had a couple of boxes, I guess.”

I rubbed my forehead and sighed. “I guess you should have some kind of protection, especially against those monsters. Duncan and I can’t be around you twenty-four-seven.”

His face darkened. “And you shouldn’t have to be. If I were actually one of you, there wouldn’t be a problem.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “You seriously do not want this.”

He grunted. “Says the girl who can fly anywhere in the world without a plane ticket. Look, you have no idea what it’s like knowing that my sister can throw me across the room like a Frisbee. It’s humiliating.”

“To me it’s a curse, not a gift.”

“It’s only a curse if you don’t want it. Maybe, I do.”

“Nathan, you do realize that if you were one of us, you couldn’t eat the way that you do now. I mean, that’s like one of your favorite pastimes.”

He frowned. “Well, yeah. I know.”

“No more burgers or ice cream. And forget about your late-night pizza orders. There is no delivery service for what we have to consume.”

“So, I’d have to give up food. I’d learn to deal with it.”

“And you could really deal with a diet of blood to survive? I mean, you can barely look at the supply in the refrigerator without getting sick to your stomach.”

He raised his hand in protest. “Okay, yeah, the blood thing is pretty messed up.”

“Damn right it is. I’m telling you, I’d rather go back to being normal than having these so-called gifts that you’re obsessing over. And so would Duncan.”

His eyes narrowed. “Speaking of blood, you’re looking kind of pale. When was the last time you fed?”

“Why, you scared?” I teased.

“Ha… ha… Seriously, though. When was the last time you fed?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Three days? Maybe four?”

“You need to keep up on that,” he replied sternly. “Not only does it make you weaker, but I don’t need to have to watch my back.”

“You don’t trust me?” I asked, my feelings hurt. “You know I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

“I trust you. I just don’t trust your appetite. Celeste had told me that if you go without it for too long, it can make you delirious. Soon, the hunger begins to control you and nobody is safe.”

“Celeste is a special kind of lunatic,” I replied dryly. “She isn’t normal. Even for a Roamer.”

“So, you’re saying that you’re feeling fine, even though it’s been a few days since you’ve fed?”

“I’m fine,” I lied, not wanting to worry him. “I’m not even thinking about blood right now.” Admittedly, my stomach had begun to clench hungrily as soon as he’d brought up blood. But, he was my brother. I’d hurt myself before I ever hurt him.

His eyes narrowed. “You certainly don’t look fine.”

I pulled the visor down and stared at my porcelain reflection. I was definitely due for a fix. “I guess that I should have put a little makeup on,” I said, shutting the visor. “Well, at least it’s almost winter. Everyone is pale.”

“Good thing this isn’t shorts weather,” he replied. “I’d hate to see your pasty legs.”

“You and me both,” I replied.

Today, I wore long, black slacks, a black turtleneck sweater, and a long, black leather jacket. Nathan had said I looked like a character from the movie The Matrix, with my hair pulled back and the glasses.

“Just keep your sunglasses on. Nobody will notice. They’ll think you’re just pale from being miserable. Hey.” He sat up straighter. “It looks like Victor is getting a ride from that piece of shit, Drake.”

I watched in my side-view mirror, as a black Cadillac Seville pulled up on the other side of the parking lot. Both doors opened and the two men, both wearing expensively tailored black suits, got out and began walking toward the cemetery. Victor, who was clutching a copper-colored urn, nodded and smiled grimly at us they passed.

“Yeah, like that’s proof that mom’s actually dead,” said Nathan, shaking his head in disgust. “So much for the casket. He must think we’re really stupid.”

“I told you this thing was bullshit,” I said, opening the door.

Quietly, we followed them to the group of people huddled at the edge of the graveyard. Victor and Drake barely acknowledged us.

‘I’m so sorry for your loss,” said an older woman, looking past Victor at me and Nathan. She had ebony skin and her dark eyes were soft. She smiled sympathetically. “I never met your mama, but I’m sure she was a wonderful woman. I’m Maddie, by the way.”

“Thank you. She was a wonderful woman,” I replied. “And, I’m Nikki. This is my brother, Nathan.”

“Nice to meet you both,” answered Maddie.

Nathan nodded solemnly. “Nice meeting you too, ma’am.”

There were two other women who offered their condolences, greeting us warmly. All of them were strangers, but I could tell that they really wanted to show compassion and support. It made me appreciate the town even more.

“Pastor Sherman,” said Victor, his voice grave. “Thank you for rearranging your schedule at such a short notice. I appreciate you doing the eulogy for Anne.”

The pastor, an older, dark-skinned man with kind, brown eyes and shortly-cropped gray hair, put a hand on Victor’s shoulder. “It’s my pleasure. I’m so very sorry for your loss.”

Victor, the clever actor that he thought he was, nodded his head and looked away, as if having a difficult time. “Yes, thank you. It has been a very trying time for our family.”

“Just remember that your wife is in a better place now,” he answered, releasing his hand. “A place she will no longer feel any pain or suffering.”

Victor nodded.

“I see you brought the urn,” stated the pastor.

Even though I was sure that the urn didn’t contain mom’s ashes, something told me that it was someone’s.

I glanced at Drake, who was now watching me through his sunglasses, and wondered if the ashes were actually Ethan’s. Part of me still hated him and yet, another part grieved for the bastard.

It was frustrating.

Feeling like a fool, I clenched my jaw and told myself that Ethan deserved whatever Drake had dished out to him. That if he was dead, it was well deserved. As if reading my mind, Drake smiled at me.

I looked away.

“Yes. I picked it up from the mortuary on the way out here. It’s hard to believe that this is all I have left of Anne,” said Victor, looking grief-stricken.

I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying something hateful, as did Nathan, who also looked infuriated.

“On the contrary,” replied Pastor Sherman. “You have your memories, your children, and nothing will take that away.”

“You’re right,” said Victor. “Still, it’s hard.”

“It is. Just remember, that I do make house calls, so if you ever need to talk…”

Victor nodded in appreciation. “Thank you, Pastor Sherman. I will keep that in mind.”

“Good. Now then, do you need a hand with the urn?” asked the pastor.

Victor shook his head. “No, I can carry it. We’re going to the lake, correct?”

“Yes, it’s what you requested over the phone. These are the twins, I take it?” he asked, smiling at us.

“Yes. Our children, Nathan and Nikki,” replied Victor, smiling like a politician trying to win votes.

Biting my tongue, I forced my own smile. “Hello.”

Nathan stuck out his hand. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Hello, Nathan. Nikki,” he nodded toward me as he shook Nathan’s hand. “It’s certainly nice meeting you both. Unfortunately, it had to be under such dire circumstances. I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks,” we both replied in unison.

The pastor nodded and then his eyes moved back to me. His smile faltered. “Are you okay, child? You’re so pale...”

“No,” I replied quickly. “I’m fine. I mean, I guess I’m a little sick to my stomach at the moment,” I said, glancing toward Victor, who was studying me as well. “You know, with everything going on, and all.”

“Of course,” he replied. “This is a very challenging time. But, rest assured, your mother is in a place of love and peace. We are the ones suffering Not her.”

If only it weren’t true, I thought. She had to be suffering under Victor’s care.

Pastor Sherman continued. “Yes, she’s with the Almighty. Speaking of which,” He looked up at the clouds rolling in. “I think we’d better move to the lake and begin the ceremony.”

“Good idea,” replied Victor.

The pastor began walking toward the other church members. “Yes, let’s do this now. I hear we’re going to be getting hit with a nasty snow storm later.”

“I heard something about that too,” replied Victor. “It looks like everyone is here. Except…” He turned to me. “Where is that boyfriend of yours, Duncan?”

“He has some business that he has to take care of,” I said. “Something in town.”

Drake shook his head and sneered. “Business so important that he couldn’t attend his girlfriend’s mother’s funeral? What a wanker.”

“I would have to agree,” said Victor, looking troubled. “And I do hope that whatever business he is involved with, doesn’t get him into trouble.”

My eyes widened innocently. “Now, what kind of trouble could he possibly get into?”

“I’m not really sure,” he answered. His eyes darted to the pastor, who wasn’t paying attention, and he lowered his voice. “But, in our world, trouble is always lurking around the corner. That’s why I always stay one step ahead of it.”

“Always, huh?” I asked.

“Indeed,” he said, his eyes boring into mine. “That’s why those who cross me do not win. Ever.”

“You mean like Caleb and Celeste?” said Nathan.

“Exactly like Caleb and Celeste. So, keep that in mind.” He turned and began walking away. “We’d better follow Pastor Sherman, to pay our respects.”

“Yes,” said Drake. He held out his arm to me. “If you’d like, I’d be happy to assist you to the lake. You’re obviously a little undernourished and could use a strong arm to support you.”

“Drop dead,” I replied, brushing past him. “Wanker.”

“Your sister is so damn stubborn,” said Drake. He turned to Nathan and lowered his voice. “And really needs to learn who her allies are.”

Nathan scowled. “Like you’re an ally.”

“Oh, friend, more than you know,” he said under his breath before he walked away.

Chapter Three

Duncan



Duncan surveyed Victor’s property before approaching the cabin, and it appeared relatively quiet. He flew to Nikki’s balcony and snuck inside.

As he sniffed the air, he could tell right away that the cabin was empty of lycan. Relaxing, he slipped into the hallway and made his way to Anne’s old room. When he opened the door, he found her king-sized bed stripped bare, and the walk-in closet empty. Next, he checked the rest of the cabin, which also showed signs that the place was being abandoned – the furniture was covered with sheets, the electricity had been shut off, and the refrigerator was empty. He opened up the cupboards, which were also bare.

Not even dog food, he thought wryly. Yep, Victor has definitely ditched this place.

Chuckling to himself, he searched through several drawers in search of forgotten or discarded mail, but found nothing. Everything, but the furniture and kitchenware had been cleared out. Frustrated, he walked out the back door and was about to fly away, when he noticed the brown garbage bin next to the garage. He raised the lid and pulled out a large, white plastic bag from the top, grimacing from the horrendous smell.

“I can’t believe I’m digging through that asshole’s garbage,” he mumbled, his stomach roiling in protest.

Most of the items inside of the bag were empty food containers and random junk mail. As he dug further, a torn envelope caught his eye. He pulled it out and found that it was addressed to Victor. There was nothing inside of the envelope, but the return address definitely interested him.

It was Club Nightshade’s.

He wondered what kind of dealings Victor had with the club, and decided that it was worth checking out. He quickly finished his search of the trash bin and then headed toward the club.

***

Nightshade was closed when Duncan arrived and apparently wouldn’t open until four p.m. With Faye gone, he wondered who was actually running the club.

He walked around the building and noticed that there were a few cars parked in the parking lot. The employee entrance at the back was locked, so he decided to check out the terrace above. Not seeing anyone, he leaped into the air and landed on the rooftop, where he noticed an open stairwell leading inside of the building. Once inside, he found a hallway that led to the penthouse apartment, which, to his luck, was unlocked.

Not sensing anyone inside, he walked through the extravagantly furnished condo. From the white leather furniture, plush mauve carpeting, and feminine décor, he assumed it had to have been Faye’s. Then, when he walked into the chic master bedroom, he noticed a large nude portrait of the shape-shifter on the wall and shook his head and chuckled. Only a vain woman like Faye would have a picture of herself, in the buff, facing her bed.

Still grinning, he turned around and came face-to-face with the dead woman herself.

Her eyes glittered darkly and she smiled. “Boo.”

Chapter Four

Ethan



The guard left him beaten and exhausted in the cell after hours of torture. Because of Faye’s twisted mind, however, he was allowed to feed on the girl. The blood worked quickly, and in no time, his wounds were healed and his mind became clear. Which brought his thoughts to Nikki.

What had Faye done?

The last memory of Nikki was in the casino, when both he and Duncan had been monitoring Nikki as she tried to lure in the lycan. Obviously, that had been the first mistake. He should have never allowed her to be used as bait, even if it was to find her family. Then, he’d been distracted by a woman who looked exactly like Miranda. Only, it had turned out to be Faye. A shape-shifter he’d destroyed back in Shore Lake. Or thought he had. She’d injected him with something and that was the last thing he’d remembered before waking up as a prisoner in her chamber of horror.

I should have beheaded her, he thought tugging on his chains again. Like a damn zombie.

Shifters were a deadly lot, and apparently, draining them of their blood wasn’t enough to destroy them. It had been a costly mistake. One he wouldn’t ever make again.

As he brooded about this, the dungeon became alive with the sound of violence being inflicted upon someone else. Unfortunately, they were out of eyesight, so he couldn’t see much of anything.

“You like to give punches, huh?” growled Godrick from somewhere deeper in the dungeon. “Well, how do you like taking them?”

There was a loud grunting noise, and it sounded to Ethan that the other prisoner hadn’t taken it well.

Godrick laughed. “How about a couple more?”

The prisoner said something and the guard swore at him.

“Knock it off. Both of you. Put him in the cell across from the other one, Godrick,” snapped Faye.

“Will do,” replied Godrick. Then his voice hardened. “Come on. You heard what she said. Fight me any more, and I’ll cut off your feet and drag you inside.”

“Do what you have to, Godrick,” said Faye. “But don’t kill him. Not yet.”

“As you wish. Dammit, knock it off,” snapped Godrick as they stepped into view. When Ethan recognized the other captive, his eyes widened.

Faye came up behind them and smiled at Ethan. “Good. I’m glad you’re awake. What do you think of our newest pet?”

Ethan didn’t reply.

She tilted her head. “Oh, come on now. I’m sure part of you is tickled to death that he’s here.”

“Duncan, where’s Nikki?” he asked hoarsely.

At the sound of his voice, Duncan turned toward him and their eyes locked. “Ethan?” he asked, incredulously.

“Where’s Nikki?” he repeated.

Duncan scowled. “Like I’d tell you or anyone else here. In fact, you can all go fuck yourselves.”

“Pretty bold words from someone who should be on his knees and begging for his life,” said Godrick, shoving Duncan’s arms into the restraints.

Duncan struggled, his one hand still free, but the goliath guard slammed him against the wall so hard that it echoed. “You think you’re a badass, donut boy?” he growled, his eyes bulging as he got into his face. “You’re nothing. I could squash you like a pastry.”

Duncan spat into Godrick’s face and then slammed his forehead against his skull. There was a loud crack, and even Faye cringed.

The guard howled, stumbling backwards, but quickly regained his balance. He flew at Duncan and grabbed him by the neck. “I should kill you!” he roared, his face red.

“Enough,” said Faye. “Restrain him and then we’ll go search for Nikki. I think it’s time all three of them had a reunion. Then, afterwards, I’ll let you do whatever you want to Duncan and the girl.” She turned back toward Ethan. “Anything.”

Ethan glared at her.

“You touch her and I’ll kill you,” said Duncan.

Godrick smiled cruelly as he shoved Duncan’s wrist into the restraint and locked it. “Good luck with that.” Then he pulled his fist back and slammed his knuckles into Duncan’s nose.

Duncan grunted in pain as blood poured out of his nostrils. But, just as soon as it started, his immortal body clotted the flow. He licked some of it from his lips and smiled coldly. “That all you got?”

“Oh… there’s plenty more,” replied Godrick, before kneeing him in the groin.

Ethan watched as Duncan gasped and his legs buckled. The shackles on his wrists prevented him from dropping to the ground, and all he could do was hang in agony until his body recovered.

“Is that what you’ve resorted to, Faye?” said Ethan, staring at the guard with contempt. “Hiring a pussy buffoon who can only fight when his opponent is unable to defend himself?”

Faye smirked. “I’d keep my mouth shut if I were you.”

“Why? Because your chicken-shit, homely guard might smack me around a few times again, being that I’m handcuffed?”

“You want some, too?” growled Godrick, stepping out of the other cell and kicking the door closed behind him. “I’ll give it to you, loudmouth.”

Ethan snorted. “If I was free, and it was a fair fight, the only thing you’d be giving is your life. To me.”

Godrick clenched his jaw. “I’d still kick your ass with my hands tied behind my back and you fully healed.”

“Only in your dreams, needle-dick,” replied Ethan.

“Drop it,” ordered Faye as Godrick advanced toward Ethan’s cell, his face the color of beets. “I said we have things to do.”

The guard, clenching his fists, froze. “This isn’t finished, though. Nobody talks to me that way.”

“Especially those who are tied up,” said Ethan. “And at your mercy.”

“Ignore him,” Faye warned, turning around.

“Mama’s boy,” taunted Ethan.

Godrick’s chest began to rise and fall rapidly he was so furious.

Faye rolled her eyes and began walking toward the exit. “Godrick. That was an order. Don’t ignore it or you’ll be sorry.”

The guard’s shoulders drooped. Mumbling under his breath, he ignored Ethan and followed Faye out of the dungeon.

Ethan turned back to Duncan, who was studying him. “Is Nikki okay?”

He laughed coldly. “Really?

“What do you mean, really?”

“Why do you even care?”

“Why wouldn’t I?” he countered.

Duncan’s face darkened. “You’re unbelievably fucking crazy, you know that?”

He shook his head and sighed. “You have no idea of what’s really going on here, do you?”

“I guess not. Why don’t you explain? You know, make up some more lies. Try fucking with my head.”

“Come on, Duncan, I haven’t lied to you. I’ve always been straightforward.”

“As straightforward as a circle.”

He clenched his jaw. “Look, I know you think you know what’s going on, but you’ve been misled. And it’s not by me. In fact –”

Duncan laughed coldly. “You just never stop, do you?”

Ethan’s lips thinned. “Shut up and listen to me!”

“I’ve listened to you enough. We all have. But not any longer. Shit, I trust Victor more than I trust you.”

“Victor?”

“Yes, you know – Nikki’s psychotic stepfather? The one who howls at the moon at night? The guy who used to write your checks… until you betrayed him. Hell, Ethan, you’ve betrayed everyone.”

Ethan’s eyebrows shot up. “What in the hell are you talking about? Used to write my checks? And how in the hell could I betray a guy I’ve never met?”

Duncan shook his head in disgust. “Incredible. Look, just drop the act. Obviously something odd is going on here, but as far as I’m concerned, you’re right where you belong.”

Chapter Five

Nikki



Even though I knew the service for our mother was a hoax, it still brought tears to my eyes. I missed her smile, her hugs, and even the way she yelled when Nathan and I argued. I even missed the way she chided me about being paranoid and always telling me to “chill the hell out.” Ironically, this time I really did need to chill. I had to be extra cautious around Victor and act like I believed that she was really gone, in hopes that he’d let his guard down so we could figure out where he’d hidden her. I really didn’t believe that Duncan would find her back at the cabin. Something told me that he’d moved immediately after he claimed she’d committed suicide. He had to have known that we’d never take his word.

During the service, I noticed Drake staring openly; I could tell he was attracted to me. There had been a time when I’d have felt flattered, but now that I knew he was a devious prick and worked for Victor, I couldn’t have cared less.

At the end of the funeral, Victor opened up the urn and then emptied it into the lake, claiming that “Anne would have wanted it that way.”

“Boy, for someone who was never around, you sure knew her better than us,” commented Nathan.

Victor played it off well, however. “I know, son. And I’m sorry that my job took me away from all of you so much. It was hard for me, too. It’s even harder knowing that I’ll never see her again.”

Nathan rolled his eyes and I shook my head. Growing up, all I could recall was their constant bickering and her misery. They’d never had a normal, loving relationship and she’d only stayed with him because she’d felt trapped. At least that’s what she’d told us. Now his arrogance and cruelty made sense, and I was relieved that the maniac hadn’t actually killed her or even us.

When it was over, Pastor Sherman asked Victor if there’d be some kind of reception in honor of mom.

“I wish we could have thrown one,” replied Victor as the snow began to fall. “But, unfortunately, I’ve been called away for work. My flight leaves at five, so I didn’t think to arrange anything.”

“You’re still flying with the snowstorm that’s expected?” asked Nathan.

“You know, they might end up cancelling some flights,” replied the pastor, staring up toward the sky. “I heard that we’re supposed to get five to eight inches of snow.”

“I’m not too worried about it,” said Victor. “The worst of it isn’t supposed to hit until after my flight leaves anyway.”

“I hope you’re right,” he replied as we walked back toward the church. “But, something tells me we’re going to get dumped on, regardless.”

“I think you’re right. Anyway, about the reception – it’s not like Anne had a lot of friends or family in Shore Lake,” said Victor. “So, I guess I didn’t really make it a priority. I suppose that I should have, anyway. As a matter of respect.”

Nathan opened up his mouth to make a sarcastic retort, but I elbowed him. Ribbing Victor wasn’t in our best interests at the moment. Especially in front of decent people who could get hurt should he really get pissed off.

“It’s understandable under the circumstances. If you’d like, I can set something up at the church. I’m sure Maddie and Lila can whip up some sandwiches?” asked Pastor Sherman.

Both Maddie and Lila were the two older ladies following us. I had the impression, from their conversation, that they were the pastor’s sisters.

“No, it’s fine. Thanks for the thought, however,” said Victor. “We do appreciate it.”

“If you change your mind,” he replied, “the offer still stands.”

He looked at his watch. “Like I said, I’ve got a flight to catch and I’m sure these two have things going on. You know… teenagers.”

“Actually, I’ve got nothing,” said Nathan with a smug grin. “In fact, I’m kind of bummed out that you didn’t hold a funeral reception for mom. She would have expected some kind of proper sendoff. You know – where we’d get together and talk about the good times we all had together. I would have loved reminiscing with you about those special memories.”

Victor’s eyes hardened. “Obviously you’re upset. But, we can’t change the past. Only the future. We’ll reminisce about your mother another time. I didn’t plan a reception, and I probably should have. I’m sorry.”

The pastor cleared his throat. “Like I said –”

“No,” interrupted Victor sternly. “Thanks for the offer, but there’s no need. Well, I really must be leaving. Thanks again, Pastor Sherman. Maddie, Lila.”

“Of course,” he replied.

“It was our pleasure,” agreed Maddie. “It’s the least we could do.”

“Yes, we know that Anne didn’t have time to meet a lot of folks here in town,” said Lila. “We felt it was only right to pay our respects.”

“Well, thank you,” he replied, smiling grimly. Then, he turned back toward me and Nathan. “I’m off to Vegas for a couple of days. If you need to get ahold of me, talk to Drake. He knows where I’ll be.”

“Okay,” I said as he turned on his heel and headed toward the car, leaving Drake behind.

Nathan and I thanked the pastor and his sisters for the service, and then began walking toward his Mustang.

“So, where can we find you?” I asked Drake, who walked beside me.

He grinned. “I’ll be around. Don’t worry.”

“We’re not worried,” said Nathan, glancing back. “We just want to know how to avoid you.”

“Such a joker,” said Drake, his eyes glinting. “I’ll keep in touch, Nikki.”

I wasn’t sure how I felt about him “keeping in touch”, especially after the way he’d been eyeballing me at the funeral. The guy was obviously hungry for more than just blood. “Uh, sure.”

Before I knew what was happening, he grabbed my hand, stopping me in my tracks.

“What are you doing?” I asked, now totally unnerved.

Smiling darkly, he raised my hand to his lips. “I have information. Meet me tonight at the cabin,” he whispered against my knuckles.

“Sure.”

He released my hand and turned to Nathan, who’d also stopped in his tracks.

“You kiss my knuckles and I’ll break your face with them,” stated Nathan.

“You do have balls. I’ll give you that, cobber,” replied Drake, smirking as he walked away.

“Cobber… If we weren’t near a holy place, I’d kick his ass.”

“You’d be better off shooting him with one of your silver bullets,” I replied.

“If I were a vampire…”

“We already went over why that would be a bad idea,” I replied. “Besides, you’d have to find a female vampire willing to sleep with you.”

“Which reminds me, I wonder what happened to Celeste?”

“Seriously? You really care?”

“I guess I’d like to know if she’s still a threat.”

“To be honest, I think Victor killed Celeste. Otherwise, we’d have run in to her by know.”

We got into Nathan’s car and I watched as Victor and Drake drove away.

“So, did you hear what Drake said?”

Nathan shrugged. “Something about meeting you at the cabin later?” He grinned. “What, is he trying to get into your pants, too?”

I frowned. “No. He said he has information.”

He chuckled. “Information. For what price? I think he wants a piece, Nikk.”

I closed my eyes and rubbed the bridge of my nose. “Do you think about anything else other than sex?”

He started the engine. “I’m just saying… he was drooling over you at the service. It’s obvious that he’s had it bad for you from the very beginning. You’re blind if you haven’t noticed his interest.”

“I guess he was checking me out a little today.”

“Exactly. I don’t even think he realized he was at a funeral.”

“If you think about it, it really wasn’t.”

“True. A meeting, huh? I wonder if he’s going to give us information on mom.”

“We can’t trust him,” I replied. “The guy is Victor’s puppet and obviously pays him well.”

“So, what do you think he wants? Besides you.”

I felt a shiver go down my spine. “I don’t know. But, I think we should try and find out.”

Chapter Six

Ethan



“Is Nikki really okay?”

Duncan sighed. “She’s fine. She’s attending her mother’s funeral.”

Ethan stared at him in shock. “What? When did Anne die?”

“Apparently, she killed herself.”

He stared at him in exasperation. “Fuck, will you please tell me what’s going on? I’ve been locked up inside of this shithole and have no idea what’s going on.”

“Right,” sneered Duncan.

“Obviously we’ve all been had,” said Ethan. “Don’t you see? And Faye is behind it.”

“So, what are you saying – that Faye and Victor are working together?”

“I don’t know,” he replied. “Maybe. I wouldn’t put it past her.”

“Just for shits and giggles,” said Duncan. “Explain what it is that you do know.”

“I don’t know much, just that I’ve been locked in this prison for over a month.”

“You certainly smell like it,” said Duncan.

“Whatever. Look, the last time I’ve seen you or Nikki was in the casino. Remember when I went to the bar to find out if Miranda was there?”

“What is it about you and this Miranda chick anyway?”

“She was my wife. A couple of centuries ago.”

“And you think she’s a vampire?”

“At first I thought she’d been… I don’t know… reincarnated.”

Duncan’s eyebrows rose. “Seriously? You believe in that shit?”

“Do you believe in vampires, werewolves, and shape-shifters?”

Duncan smiled grimly. “Okay, good point.”

“Anyway, I guess I may have thought she was. I had my suspicions at least.”

“Why?”

“It was something I just… felt. A certainty that she was alive and looking for me. And then, when I found out that Faye had murdered girls around the country who looked a lot like her, it made me wonder.”

“How did Faye know about Miranda anyway?”

Ethan sighed. “Unfortunately, I confided in her one night, before I realized how psychotic Faye was. I even made the mistake of pointing out a woman who reminded me of her. Anyway, after that, Faye started killing anyone who looked like the woman I thought could have been Miranda.”

“But why?”

“Because she’s obsessed with me. Ever since we’ve met, she’s wanted me all to herself.”

“Lucky you.”

“Tell me about it.”

“When did you two meet?”

“Me and Faye?”

“Yeah.”

“I met her in Vegas a number of years ago. We had a thing, I guess you could say. For a while. Then, she started getting too possessive, and I had to put some distance between us.”

“In other words, you broke it off?”

“Something like that. Anyway, she wasn’t too happy about it, although during the past few years, we’d still hook up once in a while.”

“Hmm… So, how did you meet Caleb and Celeste?”

“Faye introduced us a few years ago. We met in Vegas one weekend.”

“Why did you join up with Caleb and his group?” asked Duncan.

He stared at the wall. “I’d been alone for many years. I was tired of feeling like an outsider and needed to be around others who were like me. So they let me into their little group, and I guess you could say we were kind of like a family. A very dysfunctional family. Especially when it came to Celeste.”

“Yeah, she’s a piece of work.”

“I agree. That’s why I’ve always kept my distance from her.”

“So, what about Victor?”

“I told you, I’ve never met the guy. In fact, the first time that I’d even heard of Victor was from Faye’s partner, Maximus.”

“So, in other words, you’re trying to tell me that you didn’t know that Victor is Nikki’s stepdad?”

Ethan stared at him in shock. “What?”

Duncan’s eyes hardened. “Knock off the act, Ethan.”

“What in the hell are you talking about? Victor, the wolf-man from Vegas? He is Nikki’s stepdad?

“You already knew that.”

Ethan’s eyes blazed. “Bullshit I did!”

Duncan smirked.

“Look, is Victor even still alive?” asked Ethan. “Or, did Maximus help you guys stop him?”

Duncan smiled coldly. “No, you made sure of that.”

“I… what?!”

“Oh, come on. You killed Maximus. Quit the games, Ethan.”

“I’m not the one playing games, I’m just another pawn who doesn’t know what the hell is going on.”

“Let me fill you in, then. You killed Maximus in the desert. But, not before you stood back and watched as a lycan attempted to rape Nikki.”

Ethan’s stomach clenched and he could barely breathe. “One of the lycan raped her?”

“No. Almost. Maximus stopped Jordan.”

“Who is Jordan? Where did he come from?”

“Victor’s nephew. The lycan who tried raping her.”

“I’ll kill him,” said Ethan, pulling at his restraints, his blood boiling. “I’ll kill him and cut off his balls.”

“No need to worry about it, Victor already took care of the asshole.”

Ethan let out a ragged breath. “What else can you tell me?”

“What else? Let me see – after Maximus interrupted Jordan’s attempted rape, you took it upon yourself to end his life.”

“Bullshit! I didn’t kill Maximus. Jesus, don’t you understand? I’ve been stuck in this shithole and have no idea what’s happened. Obviously Faye transformed herself into me and that’s who is behind all of this.”

“Faye?”

“Think about it! She’s a shape-shifter! Wake up!”

Duncan laughed coldly. “If she is, then she’s a hell of a good actress.”

“It’s what she does. She changes into other forms… other people… and she messes with their lives. And, because she hates Nikki, it’s obvious she’s trying to turn her against me.”

“One of you has succeeded. Whether it was Faye or you.”

“By killing Maximus?”

“Yes, but more importantly, by handing you over to Victor.”

Ethan face turned red with rage. “I would have never done that! You of all people know how much I care about Nikki. What I would have done to keep her safe.”

He didn’t reply. He stared at the wall pensively.

Ethan pulled at the restraints again. “I’ve got to get out of here. I need to talk to Nikki and correct everything that Faye has destroyed.”

Duncan looked at him. “Even if everything you’ve said is true, the best thing you could do is stay away from her.”

Ethan sneered. “Why, because you want Nikki for yourself?”

“Yes, I’m not going to lie. I love her and want her safe, too,” said Duncan. “But, think about it – you’re nothing but a danger to her. Faye’s obsession for you is going to kill Nikki.”

“Not if I do something about it,” he said slowly.

“You tried doing something about it before, and I’m pretty sure you failed.”

Ethan’s eyes blazed with fire. “That won’t happen again.”

Chapter Seven

Faye



The snow was falling heavily as Faye pulled up to Club Nightshade in her new silver Bentley. She got out of the car and frowned down at the white powder, which was already making an impact on the parking lot. She made a mental note to call a plow service.

“Good evening, Ms. Dunbar,” said the security guard sitting on a stool at the front entrance. It was still early – just past five-thirty, and the club was quiet.

“Good evening, Honi,” replied Faye. “Nice weather we’re having, huh?”

He shrugged. “It doesn’t bother me. You know the place will still be jam-packed tonight. Snow or not, it’s the best party in town.”

“I have to agree with you there,” she replied. “This little town wouldn’t know what to do without Club Nightshade.”

“You got that right. Anyway, you look beautiful. As always,” he said as she stepped past him.

“Thanks,” Faye called back as she headed down the hallway to the main floor of the club. She removed her leather trench coat, glanced down at the expensive black-laced sheath dress, and brushed off some lint.

“Is that new, Ms. Dunbar?” asked the coat-check girl as she neared the window.

“Of course,” replied Faye, stopping.

“Wow, it’s gorgeous. Where did you get it?” the dark-haired girl, Julie, asked.

“A place well beyond your checkbook. But,” she lowered her voice, “if you can round us up a couple of delicious treats for later, I’ll let you have this dress after tonight.”

Julie’s face lit up. “Really?”

Her brown eyes glittered. “Yes. Just make sure we have one of each.”

“You mean a guy and a girl?” whispered Julie.

Faye’s smile was condescending. “Yes. One with a penis and one without.”

The girl’s face turned red and she giggled. “You’re so funny, Ms. Dunbar.”

Faye turned around, rolling her eyes. The new Roamer was a total ditz, but one of her bouncers had decided to bond with her. She now worked for free, so Faye wasn’t about to complain. “I’ll be up in my office if anyone is looking for me.”

“Okay, Ms. Dunbar!” hollered Julie. “Uh, you want me to take your coat?”

Like she’d give Julie her two-thousand dollar coat to lose. “No, I’ll bring it up to my office.”

“Of course.”

Faye scanned the club as she walked toward the staircase. There were a couple of customers at the bar and some of the tables were already full. It was a Friday night, which meant that the place would be jam-packed by nine. Since it was her first winter in Shore Lake, she wasn’t totally sure how the snow would affect the club. She hoped that Honi was right, and the blustery weather wouldn’t hinder sales.

“Hello, Ms. Dunbar,” said the bartender, Brian as she neared the counter. Like all of her other employees, he was also a Roamer. They were easy to control and Faye needed that to run a successful business. Nightshade was just one of four clubs she shared ownership with. The other three were in New York, San Francisco, and Vegas.

Faye tossed her blonde hair to the side and gave him a flirty smile. She liked Brian. He was attentive when he needed to be. “Hello, handsome.”

“Where you off to?”

“My office, of course.”

“You work too hard,” he said, leaning over the counter.

“You think so?”

“Damn right. You should take a night off and relax.”

She brushed her bangs away from her eyes. “I only wish I could.”

“At least have a drink. Want me to send up a cocktail?” he asked, now undressing her boldly with his eyes.

She thought about their previous night together, and smiled. He wasn’t Ethan, but he knew how to please a female. “Why don’t you bring it up yourself later?”

“Why wait for later?” he asked, smiling darkly.

She threw her head back and laughed. “Brian, you’re a naughty one. I like that.”

He lowered his voice. “You bring it out in me.”

“Is that so?” she whispered, now standing only inches away from his face.

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you,” he said. “About the other night.”

Faye licked her lips. “It was pretty nice.”

He smiled and stood up straighter as a customer approached the bar. “Listen, as soon as the other bartender shows up, I’ll bring you that drink.”

“I’ll be waiting. Without panties,” said Faye, turning away.

Brian watched her hips swing back and forth as she neared the staircase. “You’re evil.”

Faye looked back and winked.

He blew her a kiss.

Faye walked upstairs to her office, aware of Brian’s eyes still on her before she disappeared at the top. She wished that Ethan gave her as much attention. Instead, as usual, he was obsessed over anyone who reminded him of Miranda, including Nikki. Soon, however, Nikki wouldn’t be a problem and Ethan would be hers again. She just needed more time.

Faye opened the door to her office and sighed. “Celeste. What are you doing here?”

Celeste, who was sitting behind her desk painting the tips of her nails a dark blue, looked up. “I had to get out of there. I was going crazy.”

“I don’t care how bored you were, you need to stay hidden,” scoffed Faye. “And you should definitely stay away from the club. If Victor catches you…”

“Relax. I heard he’s on a plane back to Vegas. So, I think I should take advantage of it and enjoy myself tonight.”

“Celeste…”

She pouted. “Please….”

Faye groaned. “You’re playing with fire. I might not be able to save you again. If Victor finds out you’re still alive…”

Celeste got up and walked over to Faye. “He won’t. Please, let me play for a while. I’ll even find us a couple of hot guys for later and we’ll devour the hell out of them. Just let me have some fun tonight. It’s been almost two weeks!”

She shook her head and smiled in amusement. “I don’t know why I let you twist me around that little finger of yours. It just boggles my mind.”

Celeste threw her arms around Faye. “It’s because you know that I’d do anything for you.”

Faye relaxed and ran her hand over the back of Celeste’s red curls. “Yes. I know,” she murmured. “You’re the only one I can really trust.” And she meant it. Celeste had never faltered and had always stood behind Faye, no matter what she’d asked of her.

“I trust you with my life, too,” she whispered back. “You’re all I have now that daddy is gone.”

“What about your brother?”

Celeste sighed. She hadn’t seen him in many years. “Martin? What about him?”

“Do you know where he is?”

“Somewhere in Europe. He travels a lot. Daddy knew how to get ahold of him. But now that he’s gone… I have no idea.”

“Yes, your father told me he was in Italy last. We should try and find him.”

“If he finds out that Victor murdered daddy, he’ll want revenge,” she replied, her eyes sparkling. “Don’t you think?”

Faye smiled. “I would think so. I should probably send someone to search for him. He needs to know. It’s only right.”

Celeste hugged her again. “Would you?”

“Of course. I want Victor to pay for what he’s done to your father,” she replied. “Caleb served me well for many years.”

“Until that bitch, Anne, stepped into his life,” said Celeste. Her eyes hardened. “I’m just glad that she’s dead now, too.”

Faye didn’t say anything.

“I would do anything for you, Faye. You know that, don’t you?” said Celeste. “I mean, we’re like sisters.”

“We are much more than sisters,” she replied, smiling.

Celeste pulled away and stared into Faye’s eyes. “I mean it. Besides Martin, you’re my family, and I’d die for you, Faye.”

Faye’s smile was brittle. “Let’s just hope you never have to.”

Chapter Eight

Nikki



“Duncan’s still not answering his phone,” I muttered, hanging mine up. “Something is wrong. I just know it.”

“Relax. He probably doesn’t have it on him,” replied Nathan, wiping his mouth with a napkin. I’d just watched him inhale two orders of buffalo wings and a large Caesar salad, reinforcing the fact that he’d never be able to handle giving up real food. It also reminded me that I needed to feed soon. My hunger was beginning to rear its ugly head, especially when I watched him add extra wing sauce to the chicken. The rich color made my stomach growl.

I licked my lips. “No, he definitely had it on him. I saw it.”

Nathan leaned back in the booth and frowned. “And he was headed to Victor’s cabin?”

“Yes. I wonder if he found mom.”

“We’d have heard by now,” replied Nathan.

“I’m sure you’re right.” I sighed. “I’m getting hungry, Nathan.”

We were at Ruth’s Diner, where we’d agreed to meet Duncan after the funeral. It was now almost six, and he still hadn’t shown.

“You said you could eat vegetables. Why not order a salad?” he asked.

“It just doesn’t sound good,” I replied. Nothing sounded good. All I could really digest without throwing up was nuts and greens. It was irritating. “And it’s not like I can have any dressing on it. I don’t care who you are, salad without dressing is disgusting.”

“Sucks to be you,” he teased, holding a forkful of salad drenched in Caesar dressing.

I grunted. “Thanks.”

I watched him devour the rest of his food and was relieved when he was finally finished.

Nathan picked up his strawberry milkshake. “Okay then. Let’s go,” he said before guzzling it down.

“I should go alone,” I said, lowering my voice. “I can fly there. Be discreet.”

“Oh, hell no. I don’t need you missing, too. We’ll go together. Don’t try and argue about it either.”

I groaned inwardly. He was so stubborn. “Okay. Let’s get moving then.”

As Nathan paid his tab, Marilyn walked into the restaurant. She was Rosie’s cousin and owned half of the diner. I’d met her in the restaurant a couple of times before Rosie had been murdered by Faye. Rosie’s body had never been recovered, and I still wasn’t even sure what had happened to it. After Duncan and I had returned to the cabin, there had been no sign of it anywhere.

“Wow, it’s really coming down out there,” she said, stomping the snow off of her boots. She was short, rail-thin, and feisty. She reminded me a lot of Rosie, although she wore her bleached blonde hair in a bun and hardly wore any makeup. She turned to me and smiled. “Oh, hey there, Nikki.”

“Hi.”

Her eyes softened and she stepped closer, touching my shoulder. “Honey, I’m so sorry about your mother.”

I nodded. “Thanks. I’m sorry about Rosie, too. Have they found out anything?”

She shook her head. “No. The FBI is involved with the case, now. Hopefully they’ll come up with something.” She let out a ragged sigh. “I almost want to sell this place and move. There have been far too many deaths in this town. Even that good sheriff, Caleb, gave up on it and moved to Vegas, I hear.”

“Yeah. That’s what I heard too,” I replied, forcing a smile.

“What are you going to do now that your mom’s… passed on?” she asked.

“Probably move,” I said. “Now that mom is gone, there’s really nothing holding us here.”

“It’s probably for the best. If you ask me, it’s just not safe here,” she replied, lowering her voice. “Especially for young women. That’s why you should never go anywhere alone, Nikki. Fortunately,” she nodded toward Nathan, “you have a strong brother to help protect you.”

“I agree,” I murmured back, trying to keep a straight face. If she only knew.

She studied my face and then frowned. “Nikki, are you okay? You look a little gaunt.”

“My appetite isn’t what it used to be.”

She sighed “I don’t blame you. Food must be the last thing on your mind right now.”

“You could say that,” I replied, although I glimpsed an old man drinking a tall glass of tomato juice and my mouth watered.

“Hi, Marilyn,” said Nathan, now standing next to us. He popped a mint into his mouth and grinned. “Long time no see.”

“I know. We’ve missed seeing you in here, Nathan. I’m definitely going to have to shut these doors if you two move away. You and your healthy appetite have certainly kept this place going,” she teased. “You were Rosie’s favorite customer.”

His face fell. “Rosie. Man, I miss her. Have they found out anything yet?”

She told him what she’d told me.

Scratching the five o’clock shadow along his chin, he shook his head sadly. “It’s a shame. She was such a nice woman. Always friendly and putting up with Nikki’s whining.”

I elbowed him in the ribs. “Funny.”

He smirked. “Wasn’t trying to be funny.”

“Oh, you two… Did you both get enough to eat?” asked Marilyn.

“Actually, I think he just ordered half of your menu.”

She smiled. “Only half?”

“Yeah,” he replied, patting his stomach. “I’ve got to watch my girlish figure.”

She laughed. “Oh, Nathan. There is nothing girlish about you.”

“You sure about that?” he said, running a hand through his sandy brown hair. “If this grows any longer, I’m going to have to start listening to heavy metal and join a motorcycle gang.”

I snorted. “Right, hipster. You’d fit right in.”

“I’m not a hipster,” he protested.

“Don’t let him fool you,” I said to Marilyn, smirking. “He’s a hipster. I saw him trying on a beanie a few weeks ago.”

“Whatever,” replied Nathan, shaking his head. “You’re a beanie.”

Marilyn smiled. “So, where have you two been the last month?”

“Uh, we were on vacation. In Vegas,” replied my brother.

“For that long?” she asked. “Normally most people go for a weekend.”

“No,” I said. “We were in Key West for part of the time. With Duncan, while our parents rekindled their… marriage.”

We’d decided to tell everyone that our parents had gotten back together in Vegas. So there wouldn’t be too many questions. Nobody else really knew of mom and Caleb’s relationship, which made our story more believable.

“Oh. I see,” she said, looking a bit perplexed. “Well, looks like you made it back here, and just in time for the snow.”

Nathan glanced out the window. “Lucky us.”

“What about school?” she asked. “You going to finish or leave town, like Nikki was saying?”

“Um, we’re going to do that online school thing,” I said quickly.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Online? Really?”

“Can’t go back to the school here in town. I mean, we’re so behind right now,” said Nathan, backing me up. “That we’ve decided to check out that K12 school program.”

“What is that?”

“It’s where you can take online classes for high school,” I replied. “And still earn your diploma.”

“Wow, you can even do that now, huh?” she said. “That’s incredible.”

“It’s crazy what you can do online these days,” replied Nathan.

“Well, it sounds like a great concept. Especially in your circumstance,” she said.

I grinned. “Exactly. Thank goodness for the Internet.”

She nodded and then changed the subject. “Your stepdad seems like a nice enough guy; I met him a few days ago.”

“He’s a regular peach,” said Nathan, dryly.

Marilyn chuckled. “He seemed friendly, at least. Anyway, Victor said that if you two ever stopped in, I was to add your bill to his tab. I suppose you already paid, though, huh?”

“Yep,” said Nathan. “But that’s okay. We can pay for our own food.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Seriously, he offered to do that?”

“He sure did. Surprised?”

“Nothing surprises me about Victor,” said Nathan.

She grinned and shook her head. “So, I take it you won’t be living with him?”

“No. We were never very close.”

“That’s a shame,” replied Marilyn. “Well, anyway, I’m so sorry again for your loss. If either of you ever need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.”

“Thanks, Marilyn,” said Nathan.

I smiled. “Yes, thank you.”

She put her hand on my shoulder. “Look, Nikki, if you are ever interested in coming back to work here, there will always be an open spot for you. I hope you know that.”

Her kindness lifted my spirits. “Thanks, Marilyn. I appreciate it.”

She removed her hand and turned to Nathan. “Before I forget – have you heard from Sonny at all?”

Nathan looked at me and then he cleared his throat. “Not us, but I believe Duncan may know where he is. The marina is closed for the season and all the boats are winterized and in storage.”

“Oh. Do you know anything about Randy Fitz’s boat?” she asked. “He was in here complaining a couple of weeks ago. Said he’d been calling and leaving Sonny messages, but not getting any calls back.”

Nathan scowled. “Randy actually complained to you about it?”

She put her hands on her hips. “Not just to me, to everyone. He was three sheets to the wind, and spouting off a bunch of crap about Sonny to everyone in the diner, one night, after the bar closed. Anyway, I haven’t seen him around since. Was probably pretty embarrassed the next day, I reckon.”

“Duncan and I did end up replacing the prop on his boat about a week ago. It had been on backorder. Anyway, he has his boat back, so he shouldn’t be complaining anymore.”

“That’s good. Hey, when you find out where Sonny is, let me know. I get a lot of customers in here asking about him, and I don’t know exactly what to say. I’ve never known him to disappear like this without a word.” She sighed. “We miss seeing him.”

“Yeah, we do, too,” said Nathan, looking away.

I knew Nathan had gotten close to Sonny during the summer. He’d taught him a lot about boats and had even given him advice about women, which he’d pretty much ignored, but I knew still appreciated.

“We’ll let you know if we find out anything,” I said, glancing outside. The snow was coming down even harder, and Nathan’s sporty car wasn’t exactly the ideal winter ride. “We should really get going, Nathan.”

He pulled his keys out of his black chinos. “Yep. Have a good night, Marilyn.”

“You both have a good night, too. And be careful out there, the roads are pretty slippery.”

“We will. Thanks,” I replied as we walked out of the diner.

“So, what exactly is Duncan telling everyone about Sonny?” I asked. I hadn’t really talked to him about it. The fact was, we didn’t do very much talking when we were alone. Our mouths were usually busy doing other things.

“I’m not exactly sure. I think he may have mentioned something about Sonny visiting his grandmother to someone over the phone.”

“Well, eventually he’s going to have to do something about the marina,” I replied. “Maybe even sell it.”

“Probably. Unless he can find someone to run it during the day.”

“Honestly, he probably could still keep it running. From what he’s told me, he knows almost as much as Sonny about fixing boats. He’d just have to try and avoid the sun as much as possible,” I replied, as we got into the car.

“Not easy when you run a boat marina. But, if we decided to stick around Shore Lake, I think between the three of us and the other two mechanics, we could keep Sonny’s Marina afloat.”

“You’d have to hire someone for the bookkeeping.”

“What about you?”

My eyes widened. “I don’t know anything about accounting or running a business. You’ll need to hire an office manager or something.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right. In any case, we should talk to Duncan about it.” He frowned. “If we can find him.”

My face darkened. “Don’t say that. We will find him.”

He pulled out of the parking lot, turning left, and we slid precariously toward another oncoming car. “Dammit,” he snapped, quickly straightening the car out. “This baby sucks in the snow.”

“Maybe you should trade it in for a truck or something,” I replied, holding onto the dashboard.

He turned on the windshield wipers. “Hell no. You know how I feel about my car. I might have to buy me some Blizzaks though.”

“What’s that?” I asked, gritting my teeth as he attempt to stop at a stop sign and failed miserably. Luckily, there was nobody going the opposite way, or we’d have been kissing someone’s bumper.

“They’re winter tires. I just don’t have the extra money for them right now.”

“Maybe Duncan will loan you some.”

“Or maybe I’ll just see if he’ll let me use one of the work trucks now that the snow is here.”

“I’m sure he would.”

Nathan turned on his iPod and Imagine Dragons began singing about demons. I closed my eyes as I tried to quell the hunger of my own inner demon. My stomach was empty and I was beginning to feel agitated. I needed to feed. And soon.

“You okay?” asked Nathan, turning down the music.

“I’m fine,” I said, opening up the window. I suddenly felt boxed-in and restless.

“What are you doing?” he snapped. “You’re going to let all the snow in!”

“I need some fresh air.” With the warm air blowing and our close proximity, the scent of his humanness was making me uncomfortable. Scratch that, it was making me ravenous. But, there was no way I’d attack my own brother for blood. I’d rather hunt down an animal in the woods.

“Why?”

I rubbed my forehead, which was beginning to bead up with sweat. Even the cool air blowing in wasn’t helping. I needed to tell him. To warn him.

“Nikki? What’s wrong?”

I leaned back. “Look, I lied. I’m not doing fine.”

“Shit, I knew it,” he said, tightening his hands on the steering wheel. “You need blood.”

“Yeah,” I replied. “I’ve waited too long.”

“Why did you wait in the first place?”

“We don’t have that many packs of blood left in refrigerator. And, I’m not a hunter. I suck at it.”

He sighed. “What do you want to do?”

“Pull over.”

His eyes widened. “Why? You’re not going to bite me, are you?”

I chuckled menacingly. “Only if you don’t pull over.”

He quickly pulled over to the side of the road.

“Chill out. I’d never bite you, Nathan.” I removed the seatbelt. “So, look, I’m heading back to Duncan’s. Stay right here and I’ll return right after I feed.”

“Why don’t I just turn around and drive you there?”

“You know very well that I can fly faster than you can drive. Plus, it’s slippery and you’re running low on gas. Just let me go.”

“Okay, fine. You’re right,” he answered, staring outside at the large snowflakes landing on the windshield. His eyes returned to me. “Why don’t you just meet me at the cabin?”

“No,” I said, opening the door. “It’s too dangerous for you to go there by yourself. Look, I’ll be back in less than five minutes. Why don’t you just put on a song and kick back?”

“Fine. Just hurry,” he said, frowning. “I just hope that some snow-plow doesn’t come barreling into me, or I get towed.”

“Just turn your hazards on.”

“Right. With my luck, a cop will come by and I’ll be forced to tell him that I’m waiting for my blood-sucking sister to return after she chugs a liter or two of blood.”

“Good luck with that,” I replied, slamming the door shut. I waited as a car moved slowly past us and then I shot up into the sky.

Chapter Nine

Nathan



Nathan tapped his thumbs on the steering wheel with his eyes closed, as he belted out the words to Hey Brother by Avicii, when there was a loud rap on the window. Startled, he opened his eyes and found an attractive young woman standing outside without a jacket. She was rubbing her forearms and shivering.

He rolled down his window. “Uh, hey, where’d you come from?”

She smiled sheepishly. “I guess you didn’t see my car back there,” she answered, pointing behind his Mustang.

Nathan looked into his rearview mirror and noticed her vehicle about hundred yards back, sitting at a funny angle. “Oh, damn. Are you stuck?”

“Yes. I can’t get any traction. I’ve tried everything, but I think I’m making it worse. Are you stuck, too?”

“No, I’m just… taking a break from driving.”

She looked puzzled but then smiled in spite of herself. “Oh, well that’s great, I guess. Um, you wouldn’t mind helping me?”

He grinned. “Can’t you see I’m really busy here?”

Her smile fell. “Oh.”

He laughed. “No, I’m just messing with you. Don’t worry, we’ll get your car unstuck. Hold on, I’ll be right out,” he said, rolling up his window. When he got out of the car, he noticed she was just an inch shorter than his six foot frame. “I’m Nathan, by the way.”

“I’m Stacy,” she replied, her teeth chattering.

“You must be freezing. Where’s your jacket?” he asked as they started walking back toward her car in the snow.

“What can I say? I’m and idiot. I forgot it at home,” she said, her breath frosty in the darkness.

“Here,” he said, unzipping his brown leather jacket. “Put this on.”

“Oh, I couldn’t,” she replied, smiling gratefully. “But, thank you. You’re so sweet.”

“No, really. I insist,” he replied, taking it off. He was wearing a wool sweater and all she had on was a lightweight knit top that, he had to admit, hugged her curves pretty sweetly.

“If you insist. To be honest, I am freezing my ass off. So, thank you,” she said, putting it on. She pulled the zipper up and groaned in approval. “Oh, this is nice and toasty. I guess I didn’t realize how cold it was going to be today.”

“I’m guessing it’s just going to get colder from here on out,” he said, sticking his hands into the pockets of his black pants. “So, you live around here?”

“No, actually, I’m just passing through,” she replied.

He glanced at her face again and couldn’t help but feel a stab of disappointment. Not only was she pretty, but her legs went on for miles.

I’m an ass, he thought, as Taylor’s face popped into his head. He’d just broken it off with her because of all the crazy shit in his life, and now he getting excited about a total stranger.

She grinned. “I take it you’re from Shore Lake?”

“Well, we just moved here a few months ago,” he replied, trying not to shiver. He didn’t want her to feel guilty for accepting his jacket.

“Oh yeah? Do you like living here?”

He smiled grimly. “Honestly, I wish I could say that I did, but…”

Her eyebrow arched. “You don’t.”

“Not particularly.”

“That’s too bad,” she said as they approached the door to her white Mercedes. “I’m from Billings and have never lived in a small town before. I always thought it would be kind of nice, though.”

“I’m sure it can be, depending on the town. So, how do you like living there?”

“It’s okay. Someday I’d like to live in California or Texas. Then I wouldn’t have to worry about snow and getting stuck,” she replied, waving at her car.

“I know what you mean. Wow,” he said, smiling at it. “Nice ride.”

She smiled back. “Thanks.”

“Is it yours?”

“No, it’s my mom’s car.”

“She has good taste. Okay,” he said. “Can I have your keys?”

She held them out.

He took them and opened the door. “Why don’t you step back over there, where it’s safe, and I’ll see what I can do?”

“Okay,” she answered, moving away from the car.

Nathan shut the door and started the engine. He put the car into low gear and tried moving forward, then again in reverse. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, he swore and got back out of the car. “I’m going to try and push you!” he hollered. “Get in and put it into reverse when I tell you to.”

“Okay,” she hollered back, running toward the car.

Two minutes later, her tires were no longer spinning and the Mercedes was no longer stuck.

“Oh, my God, thank you!” she cried, getting out of the car. “You saved my ass. I thought I’d have to call my mom and dad. It would have taken hours for them to get out here.”

They would have called a tow truck, he thought, but didn’t point that out. “Glad I could help,” he said, unable to stop from shivering this time. His hands were also cold from the snow, which didn’t help.

“Here,” she said, reaching into her purse. She pulled out a ten-dollar bill. “Take this.”

“No. Keep your money,” he replied.

She tried again and he still refused.

“You are so sweet,” she said, stuffing the bill back down into her purse.

“Hey, you’d have done the same I’m sure.”

She laughed. “I don’t think I could have. Anyway,” she leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

Nathan smiled. “You’re welcome.”

“Oh,” she unzipped his jacket. “Here, take this back.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you want a ride to your car?”

“No, it’s okay,” he replied, not wanting Stacy to catch a glimpse of Nikki if she took that moment to return. He wasn’t sure how he’d explain that. “I don’t mind walking.”

She frowned. “Are you sure? It’s so cold. It’s obviously on my way.”

“No, thanks though. My legs were starting to cramp up, and I could use the walk back.”

“Okay. Um, thanks again, Nathan. It was nice meeting you.”

“You as well, and you’re welcome. Drive safely.”

“You too.”

He began walking back to his car and a few seconds later, she passed him, honking. He waved and watched as her taillights disappeared into the distance.

Should have at least got her number, he thought, thinking about her long legs. He’d never dated anyone almost as tall as him and had to admit – it would be kind of sexy. As he continued walking and thinking about Stacy’s long legs, something on the other side of the road, near the trees, caught his attention – a large shadow advancing quickly. It moved quickly toward him and his breath caught in his throat.

A lycan!

Nikki, where the fuck are you?!

Nathan’s eyes darted to his car, which was still at least twenty feet away.

He might make it.

He had to.

The creature’s terrifying roar was deafening as it sprang toward him.

Chapter Ten

Nikki



The gunshots echoed through the darkness as I landed in the snow, behind the car.

“Nathan!” I screamed in horror, eyeballing the bloody, dead stranger lying on the ground. He was muscular, naked, and his brains were splattered across the fresh snow.

The car door was wide open, and Nathan was sitting in the driver’s seat, the gun still smoking in his trembling hand. He stared at me blankly.

“Nathan… he’s dead. Put the gun down,” I ordered.

“La…la…lycan,” he stuttered, dropping the gun somewhere below the seat.

I stepped over the body, counting at least three bullet wounds in his head, and quickly checked the road for witnesses, but nobody else was around.

Thank goodness for bad weather.

I leaned back into the car. “Nathan, we have to get the hell out of here. Move over.”

Still shaken, he climbed over to the passenger side without arguing.

I got in behind the wheel and closed the door. Then, I reached for the ignition, only to find the keys missing. “Where are your keys?”

He handed them to me, his face as pale as mine from the shock.

I started the engine and pulled away from the side of the road, my heart pounding in my chest. I looked back through the rearview mirror at the body and shuddered. It had to be one of Victor’s goons.

“I hate that asshole,” I mumbled.

“At least he’s a dead asshole,” replied Nathan, his voice hollow.

“I mean Victor, but I’m glad that guy is dead, too.” The scent of fresh blood filled the air. “You’re bleeding,” I stated.

“Yeah.”

“Where? What happened?”

“He… he bit me.”

I swore. “Where?”

“He bit my ankle,” he answered, straightening out his foot. He swallowed. “I hope he didn’t have rabies.”

I stared in horror at his ankle. His chinos were shredded and there was a lot of blood. “Oh, my God!” I cried. “Are you okay?”

He pulled his pant leg up, revealing the bloody gash. “Dammit. He got me good.”

I looked back at the road, trying to ignore the tantalizing smell. I felt like a monster. My brother was badly wounded and I was practically licking my chops at the sight. I gripped the steering wheel tightly. “Nathan, you’re going to need stitches. We have to go back into town.”

“I also need to get something for the pain. It hurts,” he said in a strained voice.

“It hurts to look at. Okay, I’m turning around. You’re going to the E.R.”

“Fuck… the pain is getting worse.” He sucked in his breath. “It burns like a mother.”

“I’m so sorry,” I said, my own eyes filling with tears. “It took me longer than I thought. This was all my fault. I’m so sorry…”

“No,” he answered, clenching his jaw. “Don’t blame yourself.”

“Duncan’s place was raided,” I said. “Someone stole the blood we had in the refrigerator. Good thing I remembered that he also kept some at the marina. So, that’s why it took me so freaken long.”

“Wonder who stole the blood?”

“I don’t know,” I replied, turning the car around. “Thank goodness you had that gun, though.”

“My eyes are so heavy. Wake me up when we get to the hospital,” he replied, closing his eyes.

I bit my lower lip. “Okay. Okay. Close your eyes, then. Rest and I’ll wake you as soon as we get there.”

He yawned. “What are we going to tell them?”

We passed the body and I stared at it in the rearview mirror, almost surprised that it was still there. “Uh… we’re going to say that you were bit. By a wolf. That we were near Victor’s cabin and it ran out of the woods and just attacked you. Shit, we’d better hide that gun. I’m sure they’ll find that guy’s body before morning, and the empty shells from your gun.”

He didn’t reply.

I turned my head and found that Nathan was already out cold.

“Nathan?”

He moaned.

I reached over and touched his forehead. He was burning up.

Sighing, I headed back toward town, wondering if our lives would ever feel normal again.

Chapter Eleven

Nikki



“How does it look?” I asked Dr. Shanks, the doctor on duty.

The doctor, a tall man with red hair and glasses, frowned. “He’s going to need a couple of stitches, obviously. Nathan, you said a wolf did this to you?”

Nathan didn’t answer. He was staring at the wall with a dazed look in his eyes.

“Nathan, are you okay?” the doctor asked, looking a little concerned.

Nathan blinked a few times and then smiled weakly. “Uh, yes. Sorry. Yeah, it was definitely a wolf.”

“A very big one,” I added, as Dr. Shanks picked up a pair of scissors.

“Do you know what happened to it?” asked the doctor, as he began cutting off the raggedy bottom of Nathan’s dress pants. A nurse had cleaned the wound, and thankfully, it wasn’t nearly as bad as I’d originally thought.

“He took off when I began waving the bat at him,” I lied. “I have no idea where he is now.”

“Is it infected?” asked Nathan in a hoarse voice.

“It will be if we’re not careful. Obviously you’re going to need a couple of shots, in case the wolf had rabies. Then you’re going to have to come back for some follow-up doses.”

“Shots?” He sighed. “Okay.”

“Honestly, you should be just fine,” said the doctor, patting Nathan on the shoulder. “In fact, we’ll get you stitched up and out of here in no time. Does it hurt much?”

“I’ll live.”

Dr. Shanks scratched the side of his head. “On a scale from one-to-ten, how would you rate the pain, with one being the most tolerable?”

“I’d say it’s a five,” replied Nathan. “For some reason, it doesn’t hurt quite as bad as it did in the car.”

“Good. We cleaned it pretty well, so that may have helped,” replied Dr. Shanks. He sat down in a chair and began typing something into his computer. “If it bothers you, take some ibuprofen. I don’t think I’m going to prescribe anything stronger than that.”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine,” said Nathan.

An hour later, we were back in the Mustang, with me driving again. It was still snowing, and even though the plows were now on the road, they were still pretty treacherous.

“I should drive,” said Nathan. “You’re not used to this kind of weather.”

“I’ll be fine,” I replied. “I got us back into town, so relax.”

“Just slow it down a little. The roads are slipperier than they look.”

“I understand that,” I replied, annoyed that, as usual, he couldn’t just let me drive without giving orders.

He put his hand on the dashboard. “Give yourself enough time to stop at the lights,” he said, as we neared a red one, “or, you’re going to slide right through.”

“Oh, you mean like you did earlier?” I said dryly.

He ignored me.

When the light changed to green, I pressed the gas slowly, and soon we were nearing Club Nightshade.

“I can’t believe that place is packed on a night like this,” I said, staring in wonder. The parking lot was full and some cars were even parked on the street.

“This town is small. It’s all they’ve got for fun on the weekends.”

“I wonder who’s running it now that Faye is gone.”

He rubbed his chin. “Maybe Victor purchased it. It wouldn’t surprise me a bit.”

My eyes widened. “Maybe he’s hiding mom there.”

“Nah. I think he may have moved her somewhere quiet. Probably out of town. There’s no way he’s going to keep her at a noisy place like that. Not when her pregnancy means so much to his plans for a ‘new world order’.”

“I think we need to try and find this mad scientist he’s been bragging about. Then we’ll follow him, and eventually, he’ll lead us right to her.”

He moved his leg and groaned. “Exactly.”

I frowned. “I’m bringing you back to Duncan’s so you can rest your leg. Then I’m going to look for him.”

“What about Drake?”

“Drake is supposed to be at the cabin, so hopefully I’ll run into both.” I grabbed my phone from the dashboard. “He still hasn’t responded to my texts or voicemails. I’m getting really worried, Nathan. It’s been too many hours.”

“Look, I’m coming with you to the cabin.”

I clucked my tongue. “I think that’s a bad idea.”

He yawned. “I… I just need a Red Bull or something to wake me up. Then I’ll be fine.”

“Nathan, what you need is to stay off of that ankle.”

“Eh, it’s really not that bad.”

“It looked bad to me. It’s going to get worse if you don’t take care of it.”

“Quit telling me what to do, and stop over there,” he pointed up ahead to a gas station.

Realizing that he wasn’t going to back down, I pulled into the parking lot.

“We should probably get some gas while we’re here,” I said, stopping next to one of the pumps.

“Unleaded,” he replied, pulling out his wallet. When he opened it, he sighed. “I’ve got five bucks left.”

“Guess I’ll be using Duncan’s credit card again,” I said, pulling it out of my coat pocket.

“Whatever happened to your purse?”

“Flying while holding onto a purse is a little awkward.”

He snorted. “Bet you never thought that would be an issue.”

I smirked. “Can’t say I did.” I got out of the car and pumped twenty dollars’ worth of gasoline using the credit card. Then I walked into the gas station with Nathan’s five dollar bill.

“Hey, Nikki,” said the attendant as I set two energy drinks onto the counter.

“Hi, Michele,” I replied uneasily. I’d been in two of her classes at school and had found out fairly quickly that she was the gossip queen of Shore Lake.

She pushed a strand of dark hair behind her ear and gave me a sympathetic smile. “I… uh, I heard about your mom. Sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.”

“So, are you coming back to school here in town?”

I shrugged. “I’m not sure. There’s so much going on.”

“Speaking of which – did you hear about Duncan and Sonny? The guys who own the boat marina?”

“No, what about them?” I asked, curious as to what she would say. Fortunately, she had no idea that Duncan and I were together.

Her eyes sparkled. “I heard that Duncan killed his father and is now on the run from the cops.”

“What?” I snapped. “That’s a bunch of crap. Where did you hear that?”

She looked a little taken aback. “From Caleb’s daughter, Celeste. I mean, she would know, right?”

I stared at her in shock. “Celeste?”

“Yeah. She stopped by here earlier. Bought one of those smokeless cigarettes. I’ll bet her daddy is going to kill her if he finds out she’s smoking.”

“Celeste was actually in here?” I asked, feeling as if the wind had been knocked out of me. “Today?”

“Yes. Just about an hour ago.”

“What else did she say?”

“Not much. Said her dad was in Vegas.”

“Did Celeste happen to say where she was heading?”

She punched the keys on the register. “That will be four twenty-eight. No, she didn’t really say, but I’m pretty sure she was going to that club down the road. Club Nightshade. She was certainly dressed for it. I’m sure she has a fake I.D. Wonder how daddy would feel if he knew about that, too?”

He probably got it for her in the first place, I thought. I ignored the question. “Okay. Thanks,” I replied, handing her the money.

“So, you really don’t think Duncan killed his dad?” she prodded.

Just hearing her say that made me want to throw up. I knew she’d spread the rumor to everyone in town before the end of the weekend if I didn’t try and do something about it. “Not at all. Celeste is full of shit,” I replied. “And don’t you dare go telling anyone else that nonsense.”

“Chill out. I would never do that,” she lied, having the gall to look appalled.

I leaned forward and stared into her hazel eyes, until they dilated. “I mean it,” I replied evenly. “Duncan did not kill Sonny. Sonny is out of town. Do you understand?”

She nodded slowly. “Yes, he’s out of town.”

“Who’s out of town?”

“Sonny,” she replied, her voice robotic.

Satisfied, I stepped away from her, rushed out of the station, and got back into the car.

“Thanks,” said Nathan as I handed him both cans. He set one down and opened up the other one. “What the hell took you so long?”

I nodded toward the station. “I knew the girl at the counter. She just told me that Celeste was here earlier.”

His eyes widened. “Celeste? I thought Victor took care of her.”

I smiled grimly. “Guess not.”

“I wonder if she escaped or if he actually let her go,” he said, taking a sip of the energy drink.

“I don’t know. Nothing he does is predictable.”

“Maybe Drake knows what’s happening with her.”

“Yeah, and maybe that’s what he wanted to talk to us about,” I replied, pulling out my phone.

Still no messages…

“I don’t trust that cobber,” said Nathan, his voice sullen. “And I don’t like the way he watches you. Duncan definitely wouldn’t appreciate it.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t trust Drake either. Heck, I don’t trust anyone else besides you, Duncan, and mom.”

Nathan rubbed his forehead. “What a long night. Did I tell you I helped a girl get her car out of the snow earlier? Just before the werewolf attacked me.”

“Lycan. Werewolves are different,” I turned to face him. “No, you didn’t tell me about the girl. Was she okay?”

“I guess so. She drove off. What do you mean that the lycan are different?”

“They can change into one of those scary-assed creatures whenever they want. Werewolves have to wait for a full moon.”

“That’s right. Celeste mentioned that in Vegas,” he replied, smirking. He looked up at the sky. “Since it’s not a full moon, I guess that means he was definitely a lycan.”

“He’s got to be one of Victor’s buddies. Never had any problems with lycan before he came to town.”

“Just Roamers.”

“At least that we know of.”

“True,” I replied, sending another text to Duncan.

Nathan noticed and sighed. “We need to get to the cabin. If Duncan’s not there, at least Drake will be around. Damn, I can’t believe I just said that.”

“Me neither,” I replied, turning the key in the ignition. “You sure you don’t want me to drop you off somewhere?”

He crushed the empty can with his hand and let out an obnoxious burp. “Nope. I’m good to go.” He pulled out the gun from under the seat. “Let’s go.”

I frowned. “I thought we were going to get rid of the gun. It’s evidence now.”

He snorted. “After what happened tonight, there’s no way I’m letting this thing go. It saved my life. It probably will again.”

“Can’t argue that. You have any more of those silver bullets left?”

“Three in the chamber and five more in the glove compartment.”

“That’s good. So, do you think Victor sent him to actually kill us, or he was a rogue just out hunting?”

“Of course Victor did. We’re in his way. Things would be smoother if we weren’t.”

“True.”

He stared out the window as we began to drive. “This whole thing just blows my mind, you know? I’m not talking about just the night Roamer thing, either. I mean the fact that we lived with Victor all of those years, and had no idea of what he really was.”

“That was probably a good thing.”

“I mean, I always knew that he had a bad temper. But, he’s a cold-blooded killer. We were walking a fine line living with that monster. Celeste said he was psychotic and has killed people for not having his dry-cleaning done on time.”

I smirked. “One psychotic evaluating another. Nice.”

He snorted. “Exactly. You know, we’re lucky he held his cool as long as he did. Didn’t kill us when we came home late or got a bad grade in school.”

“You mean you were lucky,” I teased.

“Whatever, Doogie Howser. The point is, we’re lucky to be alive.”

“Yeah, True.”

He rubbed his face. “I mean how could she sleep with him and not know he was a freak?”

“Mom?”

“Yes, mom.”

“Obviously he never gave away his true nature. I mean, he was always gone. Said it was for work. As far as them having sex – yuck. I don’t want to know what went on in their bedroom.”

“Me neither. It’s just – how could two people spend so many years together without one of them figuring it out?”

“Don’t know.”

“What really pisses me off is that he owned that cabin and we never heard anything about it.”

“I think you’re thinking too hard about everything,” I replied. “Obviously, he had other people working for him and they made it easier. Besides, now that I think back, there were subtle signs.”

He nodded. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. His late night jogs, working third shift, hunting trips.” He grimaced. “I wonder how many people he killed when he lived with us.”

“Probably a lot. Plus, he was a cop. Not only did he kill, but he knew how to cover it up.”

“We lived with a serial killer, Nikki. That’s the plain and simple truth.” He was silent for a few seconds. “Do you think we should kill him?”

“I don’t want to kill anyone, but if it comes down to it, I will.”

“Me too. I’ll put so many silver caps in his ass, he’ll be shitting quarters.”

I laughed.

When we passed the spot where Nathan had killed the lycan, the body was gone.

“Doesn’t surprise me,” he said.

“Some of his pack members may have come back for the body,” I replied.

“Who knows, maybe it was even Victor. He may have never gotten on a plane.”

“Guess we’ll find out soon enough,” I answered, as we headed to his cabin.

Chapter Twelve

Nikki



The snow continued to fall as we turned onto the dirt road leading to the cabin.

“Let me drive,” he demanded, for the third time. “You’re going to get us stuck.”

“Oh, mellow out,” I replied, actually enjoying the slippery ride. “It’s not like we’re going to hit anyone or end up in a ditch.”

“Just don’t hit the mailbox,” he said through his teeth as we narrowly missed it. He put a hand to his forehead. “Jesus, I’m never getting into a car with you again.”

“Relax, we’re almost there,” I said, pressing my foot on the gas a little harder. I had to admit, making him squirm a little was fun.

He clenched his jaw and held onto the dashboard as I steered it toward the house. “Slow down!”

“You’re acting like an old lady.”

“You would too if you put as much money into this thing as I did,” he said, glaring at me. “I can’t afford any more repairs.”

“Chill out. There’s nothing around here to hit.”

“Well, we don’t want to get stuck either.”

“You forget about my amazing new superhero strength,” I replied, smirking. “I could pull us out of a ditch with my pinkie finger.”

He rolled his eyes.

As we neared the cabin, I put my foot on the brake and we slid sideways toward the garage. Nathan began using words I’d never heard before while I squealed with glee.

“You know, that was really fun,” I said, shutting the engine off. “I think we should get some snowmobiles.”

“Give me the keys,” he replied, holding out his hand. “Now.”

Still grinning, I dropped them into his palm. “Are you sweating? Nathan, you really need to relax. I think that caffeine made you tense.”

“Yeah, it was the caffeine,” he replied dryly. He then grabbed the gun from under the seat and shoved it into the back of his pants. “Let’s go.”

We got out of the car and I noticed that he was limping.

“You sure you’re all right?” I whispered.

“I’m fine,” he replied. “And why are you whispering? You didn’t exactly make a quiet entrance.”

“I guess not,” I answered, looking around nervously. I’d been having so much fun, that “discreet” had taken a back seat.  “Sorry.”

“Just let me do the driving for now on.”

I sighed. “Whatever.”

We walked over to the porch and climbed the stairs. The cabin was dark and it was obvious that Victor was either really gone, or wanted to look gone.

“What should we do?”

Before I could answer, the door opened and Drake stood before us.

“What took you so long?” he asked.

“We ran into some trouble,” replied Nathan, nodding toward his ankle.

Drake looked down at the bandage. “What happened?”

“Maybe you could tell us,” snapped my brother. “Since you’re the one usually in the loop and we’re not.”

Drake looked at me. “You had to bring him?”

“Just tell us what you know,” I replied, walking past him into the dark cabin. “Or why you even wanted to talk to us in the first place.”

Nathan followed me inside. “Can we turn on a light?” he asked as Drake closed the door.

“No, it will draw attention,” he replied, lowering his voice.

“You mean lycan attention?” I asked, turning around to look at him.

Drake nodded.

“Nathan met up with one on our way out here,” I replied, waving my hand toward his ankle. “He certainly won’t be bothering us again.”

“You killed one of the lycan?”

“No. I did,” replied Nathan, grabbing his gun. He pointed it toward Drake. “And I’m not afraid to do it again. Or shoot anyone else who tries to hurt us.”

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stop pointing that thing at me,” warned Drake, his face dark.

“Dude, why should we even trust you?”

“I mean you no harm. If I wanted to kill you, I could have done it a while ago.”

“Have you seen Duncan?” I asked.

Drake’s eyes shifted to me. “The boyfriend?”

“Yes. We’ve lost communication with him,” I replied.

“No. I haven’t seen him.”

I wasn’t sure I believed him or not. I sighed. “Why did you want to talk?”

He grabbed a dark parka from the hook next to the front yard and put it on “I’ll tell you, but not here.”

“Why? You think it’s bugged?” asked Nathan, looking around nervously.

Drake didn’t reply.

“Where to?” I asked.

He opened the front door and we followed him outside to the garage. The door was unlocked and we all stepped inside.

“Aren’t you afraid this place is bugged, too?” asked Nathan.

“I know it’s not. I helped set up Victor’s security. He was only worried about the main house.”

“So, what exactly do you want, Drake?” I asked, putting my hands on my hips.

His lips twitched and I could tell from the wicked gleam in his eyes that he wanted more than anything I’d ever give him. “I’ve been wanting to get you alone for a while,” he replied. “There’s –”

“You’re not exactly subtle in your approach to women, are you?” sneered Nathan.

Embarrassed, I scowled at my brother.

Drake chuckled. “Although I find you irresistibly fascinating, Nikki, this has nothing to do sex.”

I felt my cheeks grow warm. “Uh, I didn’t think so,” I replied quickly. “I mean, I knew it had nothing to do with… that.”

“Ethan and I are friends,” he explained. “I’d never cross that kind of line. Of course, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate his taste in women.”

My eyebrows shot up. “Ethan? What does anything have to do with him?

“Yeah,” said Nathan. “Besides being a traitor and a royal douchebag, how come you’re being loyal to one of Victor’s enemies? I thought you took care of him anyway.”

He lowered his voice. “There are things going on here that you don’t understand. Hell, I don’t completely understand them myself.”

“What do you mean?” I asked.

He sighed. “Let’s just say that what you think you know… you really don’t.”

“Story of our lives,” I answered dryly.

“I know you’re confused, but believe it or not, I am on your side.”

I snorted. “You’re on our side? Right.”

“Seriously I am,” he replied. “Let me explain.”

“Yes, please do,” I replied.

“If you’re on our side, why are you helping Victor?” asked Nathan.

“And where is our mother?” I added.

Before he could respond, there was a creak on the roof.

“Someone’s here,” whispered Drake, his jaw clenching. “Fuck.”

“Maybe it’s a squirrel,” replied Nathan, staring up at the ceiling.

“It could be Duncan,” I whispered.

“Stay here,” ordered Drake, moving toward the doorway.

“No, I’m coming with,” I answered, following. “Nathan, you stay here.”

“Screw that,” replied Nathan.

“Just stay with your brother,” answered Drake.

“Fine,” I answered.

Drake flew to the roof as soon as he stepped outside, and immediately, we heard sounds of a scuffle.

“Shit, we need to help him,” said Nathan, running outside.

As I followed him out, there was a loud grunt from Drake, who tumbled off of the roof and landed in the snow. We both rushed over to him.

“Oh, my God,” I whispered, staring at his headless body.

Nathan turned around and threw up in the snow, while I scanned the top of the garage, terrified that whatever had attacked him would come after us next. Suddenly, there was a loud screech, followed by a flapping noise. When I looked up into the sky, my heart stopped. A gargoyle-like creature stared down at me from above as it circled us.

Faye?!

I quickly grabbed my brother and flew him toward the cabin. Shoving him inside, I hollered, “Lock the doors and have your gun ready!”

“Nikki!” he yelled back. “What the fuck?! Stay away from that thing!”

“I think it’s Faye,” I said. “She might have gotten to Duncan, too. I have to go after her and find out.”

“No you don’t! She’ll kill you,” he shouted. “You saw what she did to Drake!”

“I’ll be back,” I replied, ignoring him.

“Nikki!”

All I could think about was Duncan and what she could have done to him. Although I was frightened, something deep inside told me that I had to follow her or I’d never get to see him again. I leaped into the air and took off after her.

Chapter Thirteen

Nathan

When Nikki left Nathan alone in the cabin, he began to pace. The fact that she had taken off after Faye alone was eating him alive. He felt like a damn pansy. He had no special powers, and although he could still out-bench most of his friends at school, he wasn’t strong enough to protect his sister.

But, he still had the gun…

“Screw this,” he growled, swinging the door open. There was no way he’d sit back and let her face that creature alone. Not after what it had done to Drake, and he was pretty sure that the Roamer had been one bad-assed killer. Nikki was not only new to the world she’d been forced into, but she made hasty decisions. She needed backup or she’d definitely get herself killed.

Nathan raced down the porch steps gripping the gun firmly. As his eyes scanned the garage and then the yard, he was suddenly aware of the fact that his vision was exceptionally clear, even through the falling snow.

Something made a crunching noise behind him and he whipped around, only to find a deer next to the boathouse. Their eyes met and Nathan’s heart began to pound.

“No way,” he muttered, staring at it.

Although the animal was hundreds of yards away, he could see its rounded eyes as clear as day. He could also smell it, and its scent wasn’t exactly a bad one. Hell, it was enough to make his mouth water.

The hair stood up on the back of his neck. He’d never been much for venison, even cooked, so his reaction was a little more than disturbing.

The deer took off and Nathan had an insane urge to chase after it. Trying not to think too hard about it, he shook it off and began searching for his sister.

“Nikki!” he whispered loudly, circling the garage. When she didn’t answer, he stood frozen, listening to the familiar sounds of nature all around him. After a few minutes, he got into his car and started the engine. His instincts told him that both Nikki and the gargoyle-monster were miles from the cabin and that he was wasting too much time. Something also told him that Faye had come for Nikki, and not just to murder her in cold blood. She could have done that at any time during the last couple of weeks. She obviously wanted more than just Nikki’s head, and he decided that Celeste, Faye’s number one fan, might have some answers. After the way she’d tried killing both him and his mother, he knew that there was nothing he wouldn’t do to get them from her. He just hoped that a silver bullet to the head would be enough to stop the crazy bitch if she tried attacking again. Even if it didn’t stop her, it would have to slow her down.

The snow was still coming down as he drove back toward town. He took the roads slowly and kept a watchful eye on the sky, half-expecting Faye to drop Nikki’s dead body onto his car, or land on it herself. Thus, the ride seemed like it lasted for hours, although it was only about forty minutes. When he finally reached the club, it was almost ten-thirty, and the place was even more jam-packed than before. He pulled out his phone to send Nikki a message, when he noticed his battery was dead. Sighing, he shoved it into his jacket pocket and tucked the gun back under his belt, making sure that it was safely hidden. Then he got out of the car and went inside. Fortunately, the bouncer at the door recognized him quickly and let him in without asking him for I.D.

“Long time no see,” said Honi. “Where’ve you been, man?”

He forced a smile. “Oh, you know, here and there.”

“What happened to your ankle?” he asked, staring down at the bandage.

He looked down; he’d forgotten all about it. “Uh, a dog got me.”

Honi laughed. “A dog?”

“Yeah, a wild one. Got me good.”

“Did you get him good, too?”

“Let’s just say he won’t be biting anyone else.”

“Damn, you just never know what you’re going to find out in this area.”

“You’re telling me.”

Honi rubbed his chin and grinned. “Hey, I think Celeste is inside. I’m sure she’ll be happy to see you.”

“Sweet. I’m looking for her.”

“You guys had a thing before, didn’t you?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. I guess.”

“You together now?”

“No.”

Honi lowered his voice. “If you talk to her, put in a good word for me. I wouldn’t mind having a thing with her. You know? That girl is fucking hot.”

“Uh, sure. I’ll definitely put in a good word for you, bro.”

“Thanks, hoaloha,” he said, slapping him on the back. “Have fun in there. Oh, by the way, there’s going to be a band playing tonight. Here,” he said, handing him a ticket from inside of his jacket pocket. He lowered his voice. “They’re charging ten dollars to get in tonight to see them, but I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“Just don’t forget about Celeste. I take care of my friends, you know?”

“Yeah. Thanks again.”

“Go have fun.”

After showing his ticket to the woman behind the counter, Nathan walked down the hallway and entered the main floor, which was flooded with people dancing, drinking, or making out. Again, he noticed that his vision was exceptional, even in the darkness. As he scanned the area, in search of Celeste’s silhouette, he found himself getting distracted by several of the girls as they moved their bodies on the dance floor. Distracted to the point of getting excited.

What in the hell is wrong with me?

He’d always enjoyed coming to the club and checking out the girls. What guy didn’t? But tonight was different. There was an urgency that he’d never experienced before. An urgency to grab the first girl who made eye contact, find somewhere private, and have his way with her. The need was enough to give him a painful boner, and he had to take off his jacket to hide it. Frustrated by his own raging hormones, he forced himself to think about the flying gargoyle, and how he needed to save his sister and mother. It was then that he remembered the V.I.P. rooms above, and decided to look for Celeste there.

He walked toward the staircase, and as he began to climb, he noticed something else a little off – his ankle no longer throbbed. When he reached the top of the stairs, he bent down and touched the bandage, only to find that there was absolutely no pain. Puzzled, he stood up and decided to examine it when he had the chance. For now, he needed to locate Celeste and not worry about the lycan bite.

Fortunately, neither of the V.I.P. rooms had security posted, so he stepped into the first one and began searching for her. It didn’t take long before he found the red-haired demon nestled between two guys in a booth, obviously enjoying each of them. Her hands were below the table, doing doings he could only imagine, and her tongue was shoved down one of their throats. His pants tightened again and he decided that when he left the building, he was going to shove some snow down there if it didn’t let up.

“What the hell do you want?” asked the guy waiting his turn to kiss Celeste.

“Heard this was the kissing booth,” said Nathan, smirking.

Celeste stiffened up, shoved the guy away who she was making out with, and turned to look up at him. She sneered. “Well, well… Nathan.”

“Needed two guys to replace me I see.”

“Who is this putz?” asked the guy she’d been kissing, a blonde guy with bleached hair and a piercing under his lips.

“We need to talk,” said Nathan, ignoring him. “Now.”

Celeste sighed. “Fine. But let’s make it quick. I’m hungry.” She smiled wickedly. “Unless you’d be interested in feeding me?”

Nathan rolled his eyes.

“I’ll buy you dinner,” said the blonde. “Let’s go.”

She patted his face softly and then kissed his cheek. “Patience, Jon. And Gary,” she said, turning to the other guy, who was still scowling at Nathan, “you can join us for dinner, too. I hate having my meals alone.”

Gary leaned over and kissed her mouth, then whispered something into her ear. She smiled. “Hold that thought. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my brother needs to talk.”

“Your brother?” asked Gary, as he stood up to let Celeste out of the booth. “You should have said something.”

“She keeps me in the closet since most people wouldn’t understand our relationship,” said Nathan. “She slip you some tongue, Gare? Celeste has an amazing tongue.”

Jon’s eyes widened but he didn’t say anything.

Celeste grunted and began walking away from the table. “Just ignore him, guys. I’ll be right back. Come on, Nathan. ”

Nathan lowered his voice. “Either of you tap that yet?”

“We just met her tonight,” said Jon.

Nathan smiled. “She’s one kinky chick. Has this giant rubber toy she likes to take out and use. But, don’t worry; it only hurts for a couple of days, although you might want to get yourself some stool softener. Baths will also help.”

Jon turned to Gary. “That’s fucked up. Nobody is shoving anything in my ass. I don’t care how hot she is.”

“No shit. Let’s ditch her.”

Nathan turned away from the table and smiled in satisfaction.

Celeste was waiting outside of the V.I.P. room, texting someone frantically on her phone.

“Sending out the warnings?” said Nathan, stopping next to her.

“What do you want?” she snapped, sliding it into her purse.

“Where’s my sister?”

She frowned. “How would I know?”

“Don’t play games,” he said as another song began. “Is there a quiet place where we can talk?”

“Yeah, come on,” she replied, walking down the hallway. She opened up one of the doors, which led to an office. “We can talk in here. Although,” she sneered, “I’m surprised you feel safe enough to be alone with me.”

“I don’t,” he replied, shutting the door. He took out the gun and pointed it at her. “That’s why I have this.”

Her eyes widened and then she laughed. “A gun?”

“It has silver bullets.”

“Oh, Nathan,” she replied, sitting down behind the desk. “You’re such a dork.”

He ignored her comment. “How come you’re still alive?”

“How come you are?” she countered.

“How did you get away from Victor?”

She sighed. “I’m not answering that. You don’t need to know. I don’t even know why I’m talking to you anyway.”

“Does he know you’re alive?”

Celeste stared at her nails. “Of course he does.”

“He killed your dad. Blew his head off. We think he still has our mom and Caleb’s baby. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

She looked at him. “Victor won’t hurt the baby.”

“How do you know?”

“Because he can’t create his super-army of lycan freaks without it.”

“So, you don’t care if your little brother or sister is part of that nightmare?”

“Not really. Besides, I have a feeling he won’t be around much longer. That he won’t even be a problem.”

“Why?”

She smiled darkly. “Let’s just say I have friends in high places.”

“You mean Faye?”

She didn’t answer.

“We saw her tonight. She killed Drake.”

Celeste’s face lit up. “Good. Drake deserved to die.”

“So, Faye never died. Is she going after Victor then? For you?”

Celeste stood up. “You know, I’m done with this conversation. I said too much anyway.”

“You haven’t said enough. Do you know where Duncan is?”

She snorted. “No, why would I know where he is?”

“What about your buddy, Ethan? Did Drake kill him?”

Her eyes narrowed. “Like I said, I’m not answering any more questions.”

“Bullshit. You’re answering,” he cocked the trigger. “Or, so help me, I’ll put a bullet through your head. One that’s silver.”

“A silver bullet?” she laughed. “You really think that’s going to kill me?”

“Maybe not, but it will certainly ruin your plans for dinner.”

Before he could blink, his gun was knocked out of his hand and she had him by the throat. Raising his body above her head, she smiled up at him with her fangs bared. “You really think I’m afraid of your threats?”

“Let… me… go…,” he whispered hoarsely, his feet dangling.

“Oh, you’re going someplace,” she replied, digging her nails into his skin, and drawing blood. Celeste chuckled at the pain reflected in his blue eyes. “Just follow the light, Nathan.”

As her hand tightened on his larynx, he really began to panic.

This was it.

She meant business.

She was going to kill him.

Bullshit.

He gave up trying to uncurl her hand from his throat and instead, shoved his fingers into her eyes.

She screamed in rage and threw him across the room. “You asshole! That fucking hurt!”

He scrambled to his feet and stared back at her angrily. “Just tell me what’s going on and I’ll leave you alone!”

“I should have killed you when I had the chance!” she snarled, launching herself at him. They fell to the floor and she reached down and grabbed his crotch. “I’m going to rip you apart. Starting with your balls.”

The thought of her taking away his manhood triggered something that took him over the edge and miles away from sanity. A rush of energy exploded throughout his body, and before he could make sense of what was happening, he became something entirely else. Something with pointy ears, dark fur and teeth made for tearing through flesh and bone.

Celeste stared down at him in horror, her lips moving but no words coming out.

Nathan roared into her face and she screamed as his jaws tore into her skin.

Chapter Fourteen

Nikki

When I left Nathan in the cabin, I caught a glimpse of Faye flying away from the cabin. I quickly leaped into the sky and began following her from a distance, which was difficult because of the weather. It didn’t take long before we ended up at a large ranch, somewhere in North Dakota, where it was also snowing pretty heavily. The lights were on and a truck was parked next to the garage. She landed near the front door, while I hid next to the stables, watching as she changed out of her gargoyle form and back into human. Naked, she began walking toward my hiding spot.

“Did you really think I didn’t know you were following me?” she hollered, her breath frosty. “You may as well come on out.”

I swore under my breath

“Come on now, Nikki.”

I stepped out of the shadows.

She smirked. “I’m impressed. You do have balls, don’t you?”

“Where’s Duncan?” I asked, trying to ignore the fact that she was completely naked under the falling snow. Her body was toned and perfect in every way, so the vision was both creepy and striking.

“Why in hell do you think I know where that boy is?”

My eyes narrowed. “Because you seem to know everything that happens in this town.”

“It took you this long to figure that out?” she answered, looking smug.

“Look, I have no beef with you. I just want to know where Duncan is.”

“Why should I help you find Duncan?” she asked, staring at me with scorn.

“Why do you hate me so much?” I asked, feeling suddenly very vulnerable. Following her had been reckless, and now that we were alone, I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d gotten myself into.

“Why? Simply because you’re you.”

“Why did you kill Drake? Because he was Drake?”

“I killed him because we’re not on the same side.”

“How many sides are there?”

She ignored my question. “So, you really want to know where Dunky is?” she asked with a sneer.

“Of course I do.”

She studied me closely for a few seconds and then nodded. “Very well. I’ll take you to him. Follow me.” She turned around and began walking toward the house.

Warning bells went off in my head. “Why are you changing your mind all of a sudden?”

“Because I have this idea that you’re not going to quit bugging me until I show you where he is.”

“Are you seriously holding him prisoner?” I asked, following her slowly.

She walked up the steps and opened the front door without answering.

I stopped. Something told me that if I went into the house, I’d never leave. “Bring him out here.”

She turned around. “Excuse me?”

“Bring him outside or I’ll… I’ll get the police involved.”

She laughed.

“Fine. The FBI.”

She stretched out her hand. “Call them. Be my guest.”

I took out my phone. “Maybe I’ll just call Victor and tell him what you did to Drake. The head of his security force here in Shore Lake.”

“Oh please, Victor? Like he scares me.”

“He killed Caleb,” I said, studying her reaction. “I’m sure that Celeste mentioned that.”

“Victor has stepped on the wrong toes and he’ll eventually pay.”

It was probably the first time we agreed on something.

“Where is Celeste?”

She shrugged. “I have no idea.”

“Right,” I answered dryly.

She ran a hand through her long, blond hair and sighed. “Well, I’ve had enough games with you this evening. Either come in or get off of my property. Your choice.”

“Who else is here?” I asked, motioning toward the pickup truck.

She looked at the truck and back to me “Godrick. He takes care of things while I’m away.”

“What’s he taking care of now?”

She smiled like the Cheshire cat. “Come in and find out.”

My gut told me again, not to go inside. I took a step back. “If you’re not bringing him out here, then I’m leaving.”

“If you leave here, you may never see him again,” she said quickly. “Can you live with that?”

My mind began to race. I felt trapped and wasn’t sure exactly what to do. “Do you really expect me to walk into your house when I know that you hate me and have tried to kill me on at least two other occasions? Now, you’re inviting me in and I really have no proof that Duncan is even in your house. I’d be stupid to trust you.”

She snorted. “I’m not forcing you to do anything, and if I wanted to kill you, I could have already done it.”

I didn’t say anything.

“Look, I never asked you to trust me. Walking into my house is obviously risky, but, if you care about your friend, Duncan, then you’ll take that chance.”

Again, the warning bells in my head were telling me that once I stepped foot in that house, I’d never leave it. “Actually, I’m better to Duncan alive,” I answered, and then leaped into the sky.

Chapter Fifteen

Faye

Faye watched as Nikki flew away and was tempted to chase her down and finish her off for good, but curiosity got the better of her. She’d been gone for several hours and wanted to check on Duncan and Ethan. See if they were ready to tear each other limb from limb. She hoped so, and thought about putting them in the same cell, just for shits and giggles.

She walked through the large rambler until she reached the newly remodeled master bedroom in back, and then pulled out a dress. It was a beige silk Dior she’d picked up the day before. She slipped it over her shoulders and then stepped over to the mirror to examine herself. Frowning at her wind-blown hair, she used her powers to put it up into a curly up-do. She then redid her makeup, this time with mauve colors that complimented her perfect features. She knew that she looked stunning, but Faye also had to admit that the reflection staring back at her was getting old. It was the longest persona she’d used in years, and that wasn’t exactly thrilling for a shape-shifter. Her kind enjoyed their powers to the fullest, constantly changing their images, being whomever they wanted, whenever they wanted. But, she’d gotten so caught up in creating Faye and enjoying the life that had spawned from it, she’d almost forgotten how exciting it was to duplicate others. To complicate their lives by doing something totally outrageous, out of character, or even illegal. So when Ethan double-crossed her and left her to die, she’d vowed vengeance and it had been much easier than she’d anticipated. First, she’d located him in Las Vegas and then drugged him, with the help of Victor, her silent partner, who now owned half of Club Nightshade. His price for going along with her plans. Not only was he now vested in the club, but she’d also promised to keep Celeste in tow and help hide Anne. Celeste, however, was not aware of her involvement with Victor, and had assumed she’d rescued her from her father’s killer. Although Faye knew that Celeste would do almost anything for her, she didn’t think she’d be too keen on siding with Victor. So, as far as Celeste knew, Victor was Faye’s enemy as well as hers. Which, wasn’t too far from the truth. Once Martin returned to Shore Lake, which eventually he would, she would do nothing to stop him from taking Victor down. Victor was a certifiable nutcase, and she wasn’t exactly thrilled about his plans to try and breed lycan vampires. If he succeeded, it would only make his kind more powerful, which wasn’t in her best interest.

Examining her reflection, she decided to make some changes. Just subtle ones as she needed her employees to recognize her at the club. She stared at her blonde hair and watched as it grew darker. She then made her eyes wider and blue. As she continued with the changes, she realized that she was emulating Nikki’s to a tee, and when she was finished perfecting it, she smiled coldly at her work.

I’m going to kill you, she thought, resisting the urge to scratch her own eyes out.

If only Ethan had never met the little bitch, they’d still be together. She had to admit, even now, she yearned for his touch and hadn’t felt it for some time. For years they’d had something special, until Nikki had put some kind of spell on him. Even when he’d been preoccupied with finding his beloved Miranda, he hadn’t shunned or tried killing her with his bare hands. She knew she should hate him for what he’d done. But, the truth was – Faye would give up everything if he’d come back to her. But all he cared about was the wretched, pathetic girl staring back at in the mirror. Even now she could picture them together – Nikki’s hands all over Ethan while he made love to her. His blue eyes staring down at her with love and desire – a look that Faye would never receive from him.

Unless…

Unless she became the object of his affection and made him suffer as she had. Smiling triumphantly, she called Godrick on his cell phone and told him to come upstairs.

Chapter Sixteen

Nikki

I left Faye and rushed back to Victor’s cabin. When I arrived, Nathan had left with the car. I pulled out my phone and tried calling and texting him, but received no response. I then went back outside and checked on Drake’s body, which was still lying headless in the snow. Staring down at his corpse, I wondered what he’d meant exactly by “things not being what they seemed.” Of course, he was murdered before he could elaborate.

Just my luck.

Still, I couldn’t help but wonder what he’d been about to tell us.

Was it about Faye? Or my mother? I wondered.

Frustrated, I flew back to Duncan’s house and then the marina. Unfortunately, they were both quiet. Thinking that Nathan may have gone to search for me at Club Nightshade, I decided to head over there.

***

The club wasn’t far from the marina, so I flew and landed in the alley. I then hurried around the building, next to the parking lot, and began searching for his car. When I found the Mustang, I heaved a sigh of relief. Being twins certainly had an advantage – I could almost always predict his moves.

I quickly ran through the snow and met my first roadblock – the bouncer at the door.

“You got I.D.?” he asked. He was a large, muscular guy with darker skin. His nametag read Honi.

I gave him my friendliest smile. “I’m just looking for my brother. I’m not here to drink alcohol or anything.”

He smiled back. “You still need to be twenty-one to get in, honey.”

“I am twenty-one,” I lied, staring into his eyes. “You’ve already seen my I.D.”

His pupils dilated. “I’ve seen your I.D. You may enter.”

I stepped away from him and turned to go down the hallway leading to the club, when the woman behind the counter called for me. “You need to pay to get in,” she explained.

Sighing, I turned around and walked back to her. Then, because I was broke, I charmed her into letting me in.

“Have fun,” she answered, closing her register.

“Thanks,” I answered, stepping into the main part of the club. As usual, the place was packed with guests drinking, dancing, and groping each other.

“You looking for someone, too?” asked a voice behind me.

I turned to find another Roamer staring down at me. He had dark hair, even darker eyes, and his face, although handsome, was painfully gaunt. As if he hadn’t fed for a while.

“Um, yeah,” I replied without elaborating.

His eyes scanned the crowd. “Tell me, when did this open up?”

“End of the summer.”

He turned back to me. “You’re not from around here, are you? Not originally.”

“Are you?” I asked, not answering.

“I’ve lived here. I haven’t been back for a few months, however.”

“Are you here to feed?” I asked, watching his face as he stared at the undulating bodies on the dance floor. I could tell from his expression that he was struggling with his hunger.

“Eventually,” he replied, smiling grimly. “Right now, however, I’m trying to locate someone. As are you, obviously.”

“Who are you looking for? Maybe I can help you. I know most of the people in this town.”

“My sister. Celeste.”

I stared at him in shock. “Celeste? I didn’t know she had a brother.”

“I’m Martin,” he replied, holding out his hand. “And you are…?”

“My name is Nikki,” I replied, watching for a reaction as I shook his hand, which was much cooler than mine.

His face lit up. “Ah… Nikki. I should have guessed. My father mentioned that you were quite attractive. He always did have good taste.”

I gave him a guarded smile. He seemed nice, but that meant nothing. “Well, thank you.”

“I didn’t realize that you’d been turned. Caleb was trying to protect you from that. That’s what he told me, at least.”

“Caleb. He actually was, I think. I… I … assume that you’ve heard what happened.”

“Yes. It’s why I’m here,” he replied, lowering his voice. “A friend tipped me off.”

“Are you here to avenge your father’s death?” I asked, hoping that he might actually be an ally.

Before he could answer, someone began to scream. As I turned to look at what was happening, Martin grabbed my arm, and pulled me toward the shadows. “There are lycan in this place,” he hissed. “I smell it.”

There was a loud roar from the top of the staircase and I watched in shock as one of the large creatures raced down to the main floor, its muzzle and brown fur covered in blood. It then ran past us toward the exit, turned the corner, and disappeared out of sight.

Martin released my arm. “Looks like a lot of blood. Someone’s been hurt, obviously.”

“Looks that way,” I replied, moving away from him toward the hallway. There was a loud growl and then the sound of glass breaking near the entrance. When I reached Honi, he was staring after the creature as it tore off through the snow, looking stunned.

“You okay?” I asked, touching his arm.

He looked at me and then back at the broken glass entrance. “What in the hell was that thing?”

“I… I don’t know,” I lied, as Martin joined us. “A wolf?”

“A wolf? That thing didn’t look like any wolf I’ve ever seen on the Discovery Channel. Maybe it was some kind of Bigfoot?”

“It could have just been disfigured,” said Martin. “I’m sure it was a wolf, though. A very big one.”

Honi still didn’t look convinced. “Wolf or not, someone is hurt in the club. There was a lot of blood on its snout.” He turned to the woman behind the counter, who was also staring at the broken doorway in bewilderment. “Call the police!”

She nodded, just as a crowd of customers began to pile out of the club, many of them looking frightened.

“Everyone, just calm down!” hollered Honi, as some of them began to push at each other. “And watch out for that broken glass!”

Remembering the blood on the lycan’s fur, I pushed my way through the crowd, back into the club, and headed toward the staircase.

“Wait, there could be more,” said Martin, catching up to me. “Let me go first.”

“Fine by me. Go for it.”

He took the stairs, two at a time, and I followed him toward the hallway leading to Faye’s office. When we walked in, the first thing I noticed was the massive amount of blood on the walls and carpeting.

“Celeste!” gasped Martin, rushing over to her crumpled form. He got down on his knees and stared down at her in horror. Her throat was ripped open and she didn’t appear to be breathing.

“Martin, I’m sure she’ll be okay,” I answered, noticing that her chest was intact, as well as her brain. I touched his shoulder. “They’ve done worse to her and she’s pulled through.”

Our eyes met.

“What do you mean?” he asked. “This isn’t the first time those bastards hurt her?”

I sighed. “There is this lycan – his name is Victor. He attacked her a few weeks ago, much worse than this, and she survived.”

“Victor?”

I nodded. “Yes and it looks like he may have sent someone else to finish the job.”

“She needs to feed,” he replied, picking her up. “And I need to get her out of here. The cops will arrive shortly. I suggest you come with us.”

“No, I’ve got to find my brother.”

He nodded. “I understand,” he replied. “Well, good luck finding him. I’m sure we’ll meet again.”

“I’m sure,” I replied.

He stuck his head out of the office and disappeared before I could blink, with Celeste in his arms.

I was surprised about Martin. Caleb and Celeste had never mentioned a word, nor did my mom. Obviously, more secrets. I wondered how much Martin knew about Victor and who’d contacted him. As I thought about this, something caught my eye next to Faye’s desk. I stepped closer and my heart sank as I recognized Nathan’s clothing from earlier. They were ripped to shreds, but no blood.

I heaved a sigh of relief.

Looking around further, I also found his gun and cell phone on the carpeting. I grabbed the small garbage can, shoved everything into it, and then took off.

Chapter Seventeen

Nathan

Holy crap – I’m a lycan!

Nathan’s heart and mind were racing as he sprinted through the snow, the taste of Celeste’s blood still on his tongue. He had to admit – the idea of what he’d just done was slightly revolting, but her blood had made him feel invincible.

Sirens in the distance spurred him forward through the empty streets as his mind tried to wrap around what had just happened. How he’d been getting attacked by Celeste and then had turned the tables on her. Although she deserved it, part of him was still horrified that he’d ripped out the throat of someone he’d once kissed in the same spot. Someone he’d actually started to grow fond of. But, she’d tried to kill everyone in his family, which made the idea easier to swallow. He supposed that if anyone deserved to die, it was her.

Lycan. Lycan. I’m a fucking lycan!

The words repeated themselves in his mind as he caught his reflection in one of the storefront windows. He didn’t know whether to be horror-struck or thrilled. One thing was for certain – he’d never felt better, stronger, or faster.

Move over, Wolverine, there’s a new dog on the block!

On four legs, he turned down a street corner and ran toward Duncan’s house to find cover. When he arrived, he could tell that the place was still empty. No Duncan or Nikki. Frustrated, he paced around the outside of the house, unsure of how to transform back into his human shape. As he moved by the garage, he smelled something that made his stomach growl. Something mouthwatering that drew his attention. It wasn’t until he saw the rabbit hopping away that he realized where the delicious smell had resonated from. Licking his chops, he leaped toward the small animal, and in less than thirty seconds, devoured almost everything, including its fur and bones. When he’d finished, he felt sated and exhausted. Thirsty, he licked some of the new fallen snow, and then went back behind the tool shed and curled up. Within seconds, he was asleep.

***

Nathan woke up several minutes later, to the sound of his sister’s voice.

“Wake up,” she repeated, loudly.

Shivering and slightly disoriented, he opened his eyes. “Nikki?”

“Thank goodness for you it is. Meet me in the house. And, you might want to wash up.”

He sat up, grateful for the blanket she’d given him, and pulled it in closer. Then, he stared down at his hands, which were red with dried blood. He shuddered.

Shit.

I’m a lycan, he thought, this time in dismay. Shivering, he stood up and headed for the house.

Chapter Eighteen

Nikki

When Nathan stepped into the house and met me in the kitchen, I could tell from his expression that he was overwhelmed.

“You know, don’t you?” he said.

I nodded. “Yes. I’d just arrived when you bolted out of Faye’s office and escaped. Do you remember anything?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, I remember everything.”

I stared at the dried blood under his mouth and on in his hands and it made me want to feed. “You should really go and take a shower. Then we’ll talk.”

“Okay,” he replied, walking toward the hallway. He looked back over his shoulder. “I’m glad you’re all right. Did you find Duncan?”

“No. I think Faye is keeping him prisoner, though. I followed her to this ranch and she asked if I wanted to see him.”

“Oh shit.”

“Exactly.”

“I take it you didn’t go inside?”

“No,” I sighed angrily. “I was too scared. I know she would have either killed me or made me a prisoner, too.”

“We have to rescue him.”

I closed my eyes and rubbed my forehead. “Yes, I know.”

“I can’t believe she’s still alive.”

“Hopefully not for long.” I stared at him again and it gave me the shivers. He looked like he’d just stepped out of a horror movie. “Seriously, you’re freaking me out. Please go take a shower and get dressed, so we can come up with some kind of plan.”

“Sure,” he replied, disappearing down the hallway.

I walked over to the window and thought about Martin. Although he seemed reasonable enough, I knew that when he found out Nathan had been the one who attacked Celeste, he’d come looking for him. It added another person to our list of enemies to avoid and I still had no idea where our mom was.

Then there was Duncan…

I felt bad for not trying to rescue him, but the little voice inside my head kept reassuring me that it would have been a suicide mission. That I would have never left that place. Neither would Duncan, if he was even still alive. I should have forced her to bring him outside. Or at least tried harder. At least then we might have had a chance.

When Nathan was finished with his shower, he stepped into the kitchen and went directly to the refrigerator. He had on one of Duncan’s marina T-shirts and a pair of jeans that looked brand new.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m hungry,” he said, pulling out a package of ham and Swiss cheese, a jar of pickles, and the mayonnaise. He then grabbed the loaf of bread I’d picked up the day before for him, and began making himself sandwich.

“Are you sure it’s okay to eat regular food?” I asked, watching him make a double-decker sandwich.

“I have no idea, and frankly, I don’t care. I’m freaken starving and if I get sick, so be it.”

I leaned over the counter and watched him do something so ordinary, it was almost comforting. His hair was still damp from the shower and I could smell the toothpaste. He definitely didn’t look like someone who’d just ripped out a girl’s throat.

“What?” he asked.

“Just thinking that you look so normal, making that sandwich.”

“I feel normal,” he replied, opening up the bread.

“Do you?”

He nodded. “Yes. In fact, part of me can’t decide if what happened was a dream, or someone slipped me drugs, making me hallucinate.”

“Believe me, I’ve been there.”

“Yep.”

“So, obviously the lycan that bit you infected you.”

“Appears that way,” he replied. He stepped back from the counter, leaned down, and rolled up the leg of his jeans. “And, check this out – the bite is completely gone.”

Sure enough, his leg was completely healed.  “At least your leg isn’t any hairier,” I joked. “It already needs a weed-wacker.”

“Ha ha…” he replied, standing back up.

“So, what exactly happened?”

“You first,” he replied, opening up the mayonnaise.

I sat down on the stool. “Well, I followed Faye to that house I was telling you about. Shocked the hell out of me. I had no idea she owned a ranch home.”

“Maybe she’s borrowing it.”

“Maybe.”

“Then what happened?”

I ran a hand through my hair. It definitely needed a washing. “She confronted me. Knew that I was following her.”

“Was she naked?”

My eyes widened. “First of all – how did you know? And second of all – why were you thinking about it?”

He grinned sheepishly. “I don’t know. I guess I’m really a dog now, huh?”

I rolled my eyes. “Great. Anyway, yes. Obviously when she or you lycans change, you need to make sure there’s a change of clothing nearby. If I ever have to see you naked again, I’m going to rip out my own throat.”

“Good thing it was cold and you couldn’t see much,” he joked.

“You’re sick, Nathan. Anyway, moving away from this disturbing subject and back to Faye… she basically said that she had Duncan in her home and asked if I wanted to go in and see him.”

“A trap.”

“I’m sure.”

He licked the mayo from his finger and covered his sandwich with the other slice of bread. “Either way, Duncan is missing and she obviously had something to do with it. So, what should we do? Go back there and raid the ranch?”

“No. I think we should watch for her to leave it, and then go in.”

“Why would she leave if she has a hostage?”

“I don’t know. She did before, obviously.”

“Then she has someone posted there. To keep guard.”

“Yeah, but I’d rather face whoever is inside of that place, instead of her. She’s pretty hard to take down.”

He took a bite of his sandwich. “What if it’s Ethan?” he asked, his mouth full of food.

“God, don’t talk with your mouth full.”

He swallowed. “Sorry. But, like I said – what if it’s Ethan who’s helping her? Are you going to be able to fight him?”

“Of course,” I replied. “I had to do it before. Besides, we still have your gun.” I walked over to the wastebasket I’d taken from Faye’s office, which was sitting in the corner, by the door. I pulled out the gun.

“It’s not going to stop vampires,” he replied, taking another bite.

“How do you know? I thought you were all gung-ho on trying this before.”

He finished chewing. “Because Celeste told me. Before I turned into a werewolf and killed her,” he replied.

“You mean a lycan?”

He grabbed a glass from the cupboard and began filling it with water. “Whatever the hell I am now. I mean, I’m sure it would slow them down, but I think I’d be much better to you if was one of them. Look at what I was able to do to Celeste.”

I rubbed my forehead. “Yeah, maybe. But… doesn’t being a lycan scare you?”

“Scare me?” His face turned serious. “It freaks the hell out of me, but right now, mom and Duncan are in danger, and I’m trying not to think too hard about what just happened at the club. There’s no more time for feeling sorry for ourselves. We save them and then worry about this shit later.”

I nodded. “I agree.”

I just hoped that there would be a time when we could move past all of this, and concentrate on getting our lives sorted out.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you – I met Celeste’s brother tonight. At Club Nightshade. Right before you raced out of the building.”

His eyes widened. “She has a brother?”

“Yes. I guess he’s been gone for a while. He found out about Caleb and returned to avenge his death.”

“Shit.”

I smiled grimly. “Looks like he might be trying to avenge more than one death now.”

He waved his thumb at his chest. “She attacked me. I was only trying to protect myself.”

“It’s her brother. I don’t think he’ll care too much.”

“She’ll survive. Just like she did before.”

“Unfortunately, I’m sure you’re right.”

He let out a ragged sigh. “Did he know who I was?”

“No.”

“Well, that’s good.”

“She’ll tell him and it won’t be good. Not for either of us. I thought that maybe he could have helped us with Victor. But now…”

“He’s going to go after Victor for killing his dad. Even if we’re not on the same side, it’s still going to benefit us.”

“Yeah. True.”

“So, what was he like?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. Our conversation was short and I couldn’t really tell. He seemed like he was reasonable, though.”

“Let’s hope he’s reasonable enough to hear my side of the story when he comes looking for blood.”

“I’ll talk to him first, before you do. But only if she pulls through. No need to offer him the information if it’s only going to put you in more danger.”

He smiled grimly. “I won’t argue that.”

“Are you finished eating?”

He took another drink of water and then wiped his mouth with a paper towel. “For now. I’m still hungry, but nothing in the refrigerator sounds good. I need meat. A steak would be really sweet right now.”

“One that’s extra rare?” I replied.

He frowned. “Probably. Let’s drop it, though, okay?”

I agreed. He was still having a hard time dealing with what had happened to him, and I couldn’t blame him.

He put his plate and glass in the sink and turned to me. “So, back to the ranch? You’ll give me a ride, right?”

“Yes, but before we fly there, do you think you can transform into a lycan at will? Or are you going to need some practice? It’s taken me awhile just to get the flying thing down, you know?”

He scratched the side of his head. “Hmm… Good question.”

“Maybe you should practice before we head on out? Instead of going in there blindly.”

“But, what if I can’t change back at will? Or worse, what if I come after you?”

My eyes widened. “Nathan, are you saying that you probably can’t control yourself?”

He was silent for a few seconds and then sighed. “Honestly, I really don’t know. I mean, I was still conscious of who I was after I’d changed. But, I also had this twisted urge to hunt and kill something. Like I was some kind of predator. I literally wanted to stalk, kill, and eat. And, I did, too. A small rabbit, which disgusts me now. But at the time, it felt… awesome.”

“Of course it did,” I replied. “It was the wolf part of you. Don’t feel bad about it. At least you only do it when you’re a lycan. I always crave blood. I don’t have to change into a predator to do it. I’m always this way. It’s pretty pathetic.”

His eyes softened.  “It’s not your fault, Nik. Don’t feel guilty.”

“I’m not sure if it’s guilt that I feel,” I replied. “It’s more like… a feeling of remorse. I miss being normal.”

“At least you’re alive. You have to remind yourself of that every time you start feeling bad about it.”

I cleared my throat. “I do, but it doesn’t make it easier.”

He sighed. “You’re not a bad person, Nikki. Neither am I. We were just thrown into bad situations and now we have to make the best of it. We can’t go back, but we can move forward with what’s been dealt, and face it head on.”

I grinned. “When did you become so philosophical?”

He gave me a smug smile. “What are you talking about? I’ve always been philosophical and full of great ideas.”

Before I could come up with a smart-assed comeback, someone knocked on the door.

“Crap. Who in the heck is that?” I said, lowering my voice.

“It’s probably someone looking for Sonny or Duncan. I’ll get it,” he replied, walking toward the doorway.

My heart was racing. Nobody ever stopped at the house looking for either of them. “Wait, it could be Martin.”

He turned back to me. “How would he know about this place?”

As I was about to answer, the door swung open and Martin walked through.

Chapter Nineteen

Nikki

Nathan and I both stared at him in apprehension.

Martin smiled grimly. “It wasn’t hard finding you both. Nikki, you of all people should know that our hearing is superb.”

I forced a smile. “Of course.”

Martin turned to Nathan. “So, you’re the mongrel who attacked my sister?”

Nathan stood up straighter and looked him in the eyes. “Yes,” he replied. “But, she attacked me first.”

“Relax,” he said, chuckling. “She’s healed and we talked. In fact,” he stepped back outside and pulled Celeste through the door. “You guys can tell each other you’re sorry and we’ll move on.”

Celeste, who looked pale but totally healed, glared at Nathan. “He needs to tell me he’s sorry first. He almost killed me.”

My brother grunted. “You were going to kill me first. Hell, this hasn’t even been the first time.”

Her nostrils flared. “Only because you were threatening me!”

“Children,” said Martin, his voice stern. “Enough with the fighting. We need to get over this and figure out how we’re going to kill Victor.”

“And rescue our mother,” I added.

Martin looked at me. “Your mother? I thought she died?”

“That’s what he wants us to believe,” I said. “But she’s not dead.”

His eyebrows furrowed. “Do you have proof?”

“No,” said Nathan. “But Victor is plotting to create an army of vampire-slash-lycan soldiers or something.”

“What does that have to do with your mother?” asked Martin.

I explained what Victor had told me and how Anne had become pregnant with Caleb’s child. How he had originally planned to experiment with the baby, but then claimed that our mother had committed suicide.

“And you don’t think she killed herself?” he asked, looking perplexed.

“No,” I replied. “She would never kill herself. Victor told us that she was dead because he knew we’d try to help her escape. He did this to keep us out of his hair.”

“Let me get this straight – if your mother is alive, then she’s carrying our father’s child?”

“Yes. So, not only did he kill Caleb, but he’s going to do horrible things to our little brother or sister. We can’t let that happen.”

“No,” he replied. “I agree.”

“Anne is dead,” replied Celeste, still looking at me and Nathan as if we were scum of the earth. “You’re fools to think she’s still alive.”

“How do you know that she’s dead?” I asked her. “Did you see her body?”

“No, but she wasn’t there when Victor brought me back to the cabin and tortured the hell out of me. Thanks for not helping, by the way,” she snapped.

I pointed my finger at her. “You have no right trying to make us feel guilty. You’ve tried killing us more than once, and almost got away with it.” I looked at Martin. “I’m sorry, but I don’t trust Celeste. Not one bit.”

“I know and you probably have no reason to trust me, since we’re strangers. But, we have a common enemy and I think we need to work together to take him out.”

“He’s right,” said Nathan, who looked very relieved that Martin hadn’t ripped his head off. “Victor has his army of lycan and we need all the help we can get.”

I knew he was right, but working with Celeste left a bad taste in my mouth. “So, you’re really willing to forgive Nathan after what he did to Celeste?”

Martin smirked. “She’s my sister and I love her, but I also know her. Sometimes I think she’d stab me in the back.”

Celeste’s head whipped around to Martin. “You’re an ass, Martin. You really are.”

“Yes, but I’m also the only family you have left, so get over it. I’ve gotten over most of your antics throughout the years.”

She hissed at him.

“What about Faye?” I asked, looking at Celeste.

Her eyes became guarded. “What about her?”

I looked at Martin. “Faye, your sister’s crazy shape-shifter buddy, is holding our friend hostage. Plus, she’s a threat to me and Nathan.”

“You mean Faye Dunbar?” asked Martin.

“Yes. We were just about to go rescue Duncan from some ranch. She’s holding him there hostage I believe.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Faye Dunbar is staying at a ranch? It’s not the one in Valley City?”

“I think so,” I answered, trying to recall the signs nearby. “I mean, I’m not for certain. I wasn’t really paying attention to the road signs when I was following her.”

“Where’s Valley City?” asked Nathan.

“North Dakota,” he replied. He turned to his sister and the expression on his face wasn’t a happy one. “Celeste, why is Faye using my ranch?”

She let out a small, embarrassed laugh. “Um, she needed a place to stay. One that was far enough away from Shore Lake. You’ve been gone for so long; I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“I have been gone for a long time, but it wasn’t your place to loan out one of my homes,” he replied sternly.

“Maybe if you would have kept in contact with us more, I’d have known that,” she huffed back.

“It couldn’t be helped,” he replied. “I had important business in Europe. I couldn’t get away.”

“You mean – trying to locate Emily?” she sneered.

“Drop it,” he answered.

“She’s never going to love you, you know,” said Celeste. “You should just give it up.”

“And I wouldn’t blame her,” he said stiffly. “What happened to her was tragic and inexcusable. What happened to all of those women? Father had been wrong to take out his vengeance like that. And I let him talk me into helping him. Now, I’ve got to live with that.”

Celeste rolled her eyes. “Get over it, Martin. Daddy suffered too.”

The pain and anguish in Martin’s eyes was enough to make me want to change the subject. I cleared my throat and did just that. “So, do you know Faye?”

He looked back at me. “I’ve heard of her but we’ve never spoken. Our father used to work for her.”

“She’s one crazy, scary bitch,” said Nathan. “I’d hate to interview with her for a job.”

Celeste glared at him. “She is not. Faye has never been anything but good to me.”

“That’s because you haven’t crossed her,” I replied. “Or had a relationship with Ethan.”

From her silence, I knew that even she couldn’t argue that.

“Speaking of which, is he dead?” asked Nathan. “Because he really was a prick.”

Celeste shrugged. “I don’t know. The last time I saw him was when Drake went after him. You should ask him if he killed Ethan.”

“Drake is dead,” I replied.

Martin’s eyebrows show up. “What?”

“Faye killed him. Ripped off his head a few hours ago. It wasn’t pretty,” said Nathan, grimacing.

“That’s a shame,” said Celeste with a small smile. “Drake was hot and I loved that little accent of his.”

“Dammit,” snapped Martin, clenching his jaw. He rubbed a hand over his face. “Are you certain?”

“Yes,” I replied. “His body is probably still at Victor’s cabin. We were there when it happened. In fact, Drake was about to tell us something. Something important, I guess.”

“And he was killed before he could tell us anything,” said Nathan.

“So, you knew Drake pretty well then?” I asked.

“We were good friends. In fact, he’s the one who contacted me to let me know what Victor had done to our father.”

Chapter Twenty

Nikki

My eyebrows shot up. “Drake worked for Victor, and yet you two were still friends?”

“He only stayed working for Victor to keep an eye on him. Then he was going to help me kill the bastard.”

I frowned. “Victor made it sound like Drake had been on his payroll for a long time.”

“He did do some odd jobs for him throughout the years, but once Victor killed our father, Drake’s loyalty stopped,” said Martin. “And that’s when he called me.”

“How come I didn’t know about that?” whined Celeste. She scowled. “You always leave me in the dark.”

Martin smirked. “Because you’re not exactly one to keep things quiet.”

“Oh, come on, Martin. I wouldn’t have said anything,” she protested. “I keep your secrets quiet.”

“I couldn’t take that chance. I’m sorry, but your track record for keeping them isn’t very good, Celeste.”

She folded her arms under her chest and sulked. “That’s not fair.”

He just sighed.

“Martin, do you have any idea what Drake wanted to tell us?” I asked.

He shrugged. “I’m not too sure. Maybe it was the fact that I was returning. Or, maybe it had something to do with your mother.”

“I guess we’ll never know now. So, will you help us free Duncan?” I asked, not even looking at Celeste. “Before Faye tortures him to death?” Hopefully she hasn’t already…

“You say he’s a Roamer?” asked Martin, rubbing his jaw.

“Yes,” replied Nathan. “And a very good guy to have on your side.”

“What about you?” asked Martin, staring at my brother. “Your blood has obviously been tainted by the lycan. Can we trust you?”

Nathan’s eyes hardened. “I didn’t ask to be bitten by a lycan, and the hell if I’m on their side. Obviously I want to free our mother and will kick anyone’s ass that gets in my way, lycan, shape-shifter, or Roamer.”

Martin nodded slowly and then grinned. “Good. I just needed to be sure.”

“You don’t have to worry about Nathan,” I replied. “He would never do anything to help Victor or even Faye.” I turned to Celeste. “You, on the other hand…”

She glared at me. “You’ve always hated me.”

“Not before you hated me,” I countered.

Martin raised his voice. “I assure you, Celeste will not be a problem. At least not while I’m here.”

I didn’t believe that, even though Martin obviously did. But, I didn’t feel like arguing with him, not if he was willing to help. “What about standing against Faye?” I asked. “Is Celeste willing to step aside?”

Martin turned to his sister. “Celeste?”

Celeste’s face fell, and to my surprise, there were tears in her eyes. “I can’t do anything to hurt her, you know that, Martin. And… she won’t forgive me if I betray her.”

“I know you’ve looked upon her as a friend over the past few years,” said Martin, his voice softening. “And I’m happy that she’s been good to you, but we need to free this Roamer. And who knows, maybe we can talk some sense into Faye. Maybe she’ll even help us with Victor.”

I rolled my eyes. “Sorry, but that woman will never help if I’m involved. She’d rather kill me and Nathan before siding with either of us on anything.”

“She’s right. Faye despises Nikki,” said Celeste.

“Why?” asked Martin.

“I have no idea,” I replied. “I never did anything to her.”

“It’s because of Ethan,” said Celeste. “Faye has always been obsessed with him. If he even looks at another female, she wants to rip their head off.”

“That’s ridiculous. Ethan used me,” I snapped. “And yet she still hates me that much?”

“Psycho,” said Nathan in a high voice.

“Wait a minute, what do you mean that Ethan used you?” said Martin, his eyebrows furrowing. “How so?”

“Victor paid him to watch over me,” I replied. “Meanwhile, I had no idea.”

“She fell for him,” said Nathan, smirking.

I glared at him.

His smile fell. “Just admit it. You wanted to have Ethan’s bats.”

“Not funny,” I replied, my face growing red.

“Hey, it wasn’t exactly your fault. He obviously charmed you.” He turned back to Martin. “Anyway, Ethan turned her into a Roamer,” added Nathan. “Because Victor originally wanted Nikki to be the lab rat for his experiments.”

“Victor told Ethan to turn you into a Roamer?”

I explained how Victor had been our stepdad, and how we’d lived with him for many years.

“And you never had a clue?” he asked, looking shocked.

I shook my head. “No. I mean, we knew he was a moody jerk at times, and traveled a lot. He always blamed everything on his job and we took his word for it.”

“Because cops travel so much,” said Nathan dryly.

“Admittedly, that was kind of weird,” I replied. “But, he always had some kind of excuse and we really didn’t think twice about it. Mom may have, but Nathan and I were actually relieved when he wasn’t around. It meant no fighting.”

“Then, thankfully, they divorced,” said Nathan. “And last summer, we moved out here. Little did we know that it was all a setup. That Victor had this elaborate plan to turn Nikki into a vampire and that Ethan was involved.”

“A Roamer,” corrected Celeste.

“Whatever,” he replied. “Obviously, you were aware of it too, Celeste.”

“I didn’t know anything about that. I just heard from daddy that we needed to keep an eye on your family. But, then he fell for your mom and that’s when everything began to fall apart.”

Martin rubbed his forehead. “How did you three end up here in the first place? In Shore Lake?”

“We didn’t know that our mother’s boss, Ernie, was a friend of Victor’s. He sent her to work here and then set us up with a cabin,” said Nathan.

“Victor’s cabin,” I added. “Which we weren’t aware of, obviously.”

“Yes,” said Nathan. “We all thought that Ernie was such a nice guy, when in all reality, he was a snake.”

“So Ethan was supposed to seduce you and then turn you into a Roamer?” asked Martin.

“Yes,” I replied. “Because Victor paid him.”

“If I recall, Ethan turned you after you were shot,” said Celeste. “How could he have planned that?”

“He got lucky,” I answered.

“Unless he staged the shooting, too,” said Nathan.

For some reason, that suggestion hurt more than anything. “I wouldn’t put anything past him,” I said softly, feeling my eyes get moist. Frustrated that I still cared, I turned away and swiped at my eyes.

“I’m sorry, but I have a hard time believing that Ethan would do something that despicable,” said Martin, frowning. “Even for money. Especially for money.”

“Why?” I asked, blinking back tears.

He studied my face, and I could tell he’d seen the tears. “Because, that’s just not him. He doesn’t play games like that and he already has more money than he knows what to do with.”

“He has money?” I asked, wondering if that just meant Ethan had done it for kicks.

“Caleb told me that Ethan’s family owned a shipping company and that he sold it many years ago and made a killing. So, he certainly didn’t do it for money.”

“Then, he’s just a sick and twisted individual,” I answered, feeling nauseous. The more I learned about him, the more I hated him.

“Maybe,” said Martin. He looked away. “I guess I was wrong about him, too.”

“Join the club,” I replied, looking down. I then began to wonder what kind of person Martin really was. From his words, he seemed like a decent guy, but was it all an act? Could we really trust him? Did we even have a choice at this point? I would never trust Celeste, but my mother had trusted Caleb, and even I had to admit, he’d made her happy and had tried protecting her. I hoped that Martin was his father’s son, and that we weren’t falling into another trap.

Nathan cleared his throat. “So… what now? We go and rescue Duncan, right?”

Martin glanced at Celeste and then at me. “Nikki and I will go to the ranch and free him. Celeste – you and Nathan wait here. Until we return.”

Even I wasn’t so sure about that. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. Leaving these two alone together.”

Celeste wasn’t happy either. “You want me to wait here?” She glared at Nathan. “After what he just did to me? You expect me to stay with him?”

Martin smiled grimly. “Yes, I do. And seeing how he can take care of himself, I guess I don’t have to worry about you harming him.”

“I’m not staying here,” she replied. “No way, Martin.”

“Hey, I’m not exactly thrilled about it either,” said Nathan. He looked at Martin. “Why can’t I come with you two?”

“Because you can’t fly, and second, you need to keep an eye on Celeste. To make sure she doesn’t warn Faye,” he answered.

Celeste’s eyes widened and she looked hurt again. “Martin, you seriously don’t trust me?”

“I just don’t want you to make any bad decisions. Where is your cell phone, by the way?”

“I left it in my purse. Back at the club,” she answered, closing her eyes. She rubbed her forehead. “I should go get it.”

“No,” replied Martin. “You don’t need your phone. In fact, I’d rather you not have it.”

“Exactly. Then you can’t call her,” I said. “To warn her of our arrival.”

“Whatever,” she replied, sitting down at the kitchen table. She put her elbows on the table and put her head in her hands.

Martin walked over to her and kneeled down. He grabbed her hand. “Celeste, listen to me. I know that you feel like you’re caught in the middle, but we have to stop Victor and make him pay for what he did to our father. That means we need all the help we can get.”

She didn’t answer, just looked past him with a pensive look on her face.

He sighed. “Just stay here and be good.”

She looked at him. “I’m not a child,” she said, pouting.

His lips twitched. “I know. You’re what, nineteen now?”

“Yes.” She drew an imaginary eight on the table with her fingertip. “Almost twenty.”

“That’s what I thought,” he answered. He looked at me. “She’s been almost twenty for several decades. It’s kind of a joke we have together.”

I nodded.

Celeste let out a ragged sigh. “Well, I guess I could hang out here for a while. Or go hunting.”

“No hunting. Not until I get back and join you,” he replied.

Her face lit up. “You will?”

“You know this area. I don’t.”

I’d heard how vicious Celeste was when it came to hunting and something told me that she was responsible for some of the deaths Maximus had told us about back in Vegas. From the anticipation in his eyes, I had a feeling that Martin wasn’t exactly a saint, either. I was surprised at their relationship, however. From the look in her eyes, it was clear that Celeste loved her brother. It gave me a glimmer of hope.

Maybe this would really work?

Martin then kissed Celeste’s forehead and I was also impressed with the affection he had for his family. Even with someone as awful as Celeste.

“Nathan? You okay with this?” I asked, walking back over to the counter, where my brother was still brooding.

He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “I guess I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

“You do. I’m not going to force you to stay with her,” I said softly.

He nodded toward the gun, still sitting on the counter. “Don’t worry about me. Go find Duncan. I’ll be fine.”

Grinning, I slid it toward him.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ethan

“Hey, you!” shouted Nikki, standing at the edge of the dock in her white nightgown with the tiny flowers. The material was thin and with the moon’s reflection behind her, he could see the outline of her delicious curves underneath.

“Nikki,” he gasped, moving toward her. Her ebony hair was blowing in the wind and she looked so beautiful, he wanted to pull her into his arms and make love to her right there.

She held up her hand. “Wait a minute.”

He froze. “Why? What’s wrong?”

With a wicked grin, she removed her nightgown and tossed it into the wind.

Groaning and aching with desire, he flew toward her, his clothing suddenly gone as well. “Nikki,” he growled, pulling her body into his. The feel of her breasts against his chest and her fingers cupping his buns was almost too much to bear. “I love you so much,” he whispered, trailing his lips across her neck.

“I love you, too,” she murmured.

He pulled her closer to his hips. “I need you so much.”

“I can tell,” she whispered, rubbing up against his erection. “Make love to me, please?”

The small contact below made him suck in his breath. He could barely contain his excitement. Ethan claimed her mouth and tried sliding his tongue between her lips, dying or a taste. It had been so long. Too long…

She pulled away and smiled up at him,

“Duncan, I love you.”

He stiffened up. “Duncan?”

Nikki stared at him for a few seconds and then her eyes widened. “You’re not Duncan.”

He stared at her in confusion. “Of course I’m not.”

Glaring at him, she pulled away. “You’ve tricked me. Don’t you dare touch me again!”

“Wait.”

“Leave me alone. I hate you,” she said, her eyes filling with tears. She began to cry, “I hate you, Ethan! I will always hate you!”

The words cut him like a knife.

Sobbing, she turned around and began to run away. “Duncan, where are you?!” she screamed. “Help me!”

***

Ethan woke with a jolt. He’d been dreaming about Nikki again, and this time she’d been sobbing hysterically and calling out for help. It wasn’t until her cries grew louder and more insistent, that he realized it wasn’t just a dream.

What the fuck?

He blinked several times, unable to believe what he was seeing just beyond his cell.

“Nikki,” he whispered hoarsely.

She was being led down the hallway by Godrick, her head bent low. She was a vision of pure radiance in such a dismal place that it caught his breath – her dark hair was down and she wore a white satiny dress that hugged her body. It emphasized her delicate shoulders, which he longed to wrap his arms around and protect. She was so incredibly beautiful, that it tore at his heart to find that Faye had captured her. Even worse, knowing Faye’s hostility toward Nikki, she was about to endure some horrific torture.

Nikki ignored him. “Why are you doing this?” she asked Godrick, her voice shrill.

Godrick yanked on the chain that was connected to her restraints. “Just shut up and keep walking.”

Duncan, also now conscious, found his voice. “Nikki?”

She gasped and turned toward his cell. “Duncan? Oh, my God! I’ve been looking all over for you. Are you hurt?”

Ethan gritted his teeth.

“No,” he answered. “What about you?”

“No, I’m fine,” she replied. She smiled at him lovingly. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

“Nikki,” called Ethan, again.

She stiffened up and then turned toward him. “Ethan? I should have known this place would have rats.”

Her vehemence startled him. “Listen to me,” he pleaded. “Whatever you think happened – it wasn’t me. I’ve been in here the entire time, imprisoned by Faye. Ask Duncan. I’ve explained everything to him and he believes me.”

“I didn’t say that I believed you,” refuted Duncan. “I said it was possible.”

Her eyes narrowed. “It doesn’t really matter, and I don’t care what you have to say, Ethan. You’re a complete asshole and ever since you barged into my life, you’ve turned it upside down.”

He forced a smile. “I know you feel that way, and I don’t blame you. I swear, though, I’m going to get you out of here –”

“Save it. I’d rather die than ask for your help,” she interrupted coldly.

The hatred in her blue eyes cut like a knife. It still didn’t deter him from wanting to save her, however. It wasn’t Nikki’s fault that Faye had poisoned her against him. And he was prepared to fight tooth-and-nail to win her back. “Hate me or not, I will get you out of here.”

“Good luck with that,” answered Godrick, smirking. “Because from where I’m standing, you’re fucked.” Then, the giant vampire turned back to Nikki and pulled at her restraints. “This way, girl.”

She stepped into the third cell and was locked inside. He thought it was strange that Nikki wasn’t chained to the ceiling like they were, but didn’t comment. If she could be spared the discomfort, all the better.

“What exactly are you going to do with me?” Nikki asked the guard, raising her chin defiantly.

From the lecherous look in Godrick’s eyes, Ethan had a feeling he knew what the guard wanted to do. Instead of saying anything crude, however, he replied. “That’s not for me to decide.” Then, without another word, he left all three of them alone.

“Duncan,” said Nikki, walking to the edge of her cell, which was adjacent to his. She smiled warmly. “Are you really okay?”

“I’m fine,” he replied, staring at her quizzically. “Where is Nathan?”

“I’m not sure,” she replied, pulling her hair over her shoulder. “He got away, somehow.”

“So obviously it was Faye who captured you?” Ethan asked.

Her eyes shifted to him. “I followed her here and she told me that I could see Duncan if I played nice.” She turned to Duncan. “Of course I had to see you, Duncan,” her lips trembled. “I’ve missed you so much. When I heard that she’d captured you, I just wanted to die.”

“You shouldn’t have done this,” he replied firmly. “Now you’re trapped in here like the rest of us.”

“No, she’s going to let me go,” she answered quickly. “She promised.”

Both Duncan and Ethan stared at her in disbelief.

“And you believed her?” asked Ethan.

“Yes.”

“Why?” asked Ethan, shocked. “She’s tried to kill you more than once and will attempt it again. I can pretty much guarantee that.”

“Yes, but, I guess you could say we called a truce,” she answered.

Ethan groaned. Nikki was obviously more gullible then he’d thought. “A truce, with Faye?”

“Yes. We talked and I explained to her how much I hated you. She seemed to appreciate that and promised to let me go if I conveyed these same feelings to you.”

“Let me get this straight, Faye promised to let you go, but only after you broke my heart?” he asked wryly.

She scowled. “Ethan, you have no heart to break.”

Ethan’s eyes bored into her. “Is that what you really believe?”

“Of course,” she turned to Duncan. “My heart belongs to Duncan and she agreed to let him go, too.”

Duncan’s eyes widened. “She’s really going to release us?”

Nikki smiled at him. “Yes, Duncan, she is. I guess she isn’t as horrible as I thought. In fact, she’s quite reasonable.”

Ethan stared at her in disbelief. He couldn’t imagine Faye releasing either of them. And calling her reasonable? Where in the hell did that come from?

“I wish I could believe that,” replied Duncan, looking doubtful. “But, I don’t. I don’t believe anything that woman says and you shouldn’t either. Faye is a psychotic bitch who needs to be put out of her misery.”

Nikki’s eyes hardened. “I really don’t think that’s fair, Duncan. Faye said she’ll let us go, and I believe her. You don’t have to be a jerk about it.”

Duncan studied her for a few seconds, his expression unreadable. “So, how did that thing go?”

She looked confused. “The thing?”

“Yes, you know, the thing with Victor,” he replied, still watching her carefully.

She stared at him wide-eyed. “Oh, well, he wasn’t home. I think he may have left town for a while, so nothing became of it.”

Duncan looked at Ethan and then back at Nikki. His grin was sardonic. “That makes sense.”

“So, Ethan,” she turned back toward him and sneered. “I want you to know, that I blame everything on you and I don’t care about your pathetic excuses. In fact, I don’t even care if you’ve been holed up here and didn’t take part in Victor’s plan. You were the reason my life has been a living hell. A lot of people have died because of you, and that’s why I’m glad you’re rotting away in here. For all I care, you can stay here for eternity because I can honestly say that you… you repulse me.”

Ethan could barely breathe as she continued squeezing the life out of his heart.

“Duncan is my soul-mate. He always has been and always will. Whatever you think that we had is long gone. So, just do us all a favor and… die.”

He struggled to find the words to make her change her mind, but was too distraught to answer.

“Die? That’s a little harsh,” said Duncan, his eyes narrowing. “I mean, I agree, he’s been an asshole in the past, but he did save both of our lives.”

Her head whipped around. “Don’t stick up for him, Duncan. He would probably still try and steal me from you if he had the chance.”

“No,” said Ethan, quietly. “I wouldn’t. If you really love Duncan, then… I guess I’m willing to accept that. Especially, now that you’ve made your feelings for me quite clear.”

“I’m glad you finally understand,” she said, smiling broadly. “Because Duncan is everything to me and you can’t replace him.”

Ethan didn’t reply. Instead, he glanced over at Duncan, who was staring at Nikki with an odd expression.

“Well, then,” said Nikki, sitting down on the bench in her cell. “This place is horrible. I hope they release us soon.”

“I wouldn’t count on it,” said Ethan under his breath, still trying to get over the shock of her cruel words.

Then, something hit him like a ton of bricks. Something he hadn’t noticed at first. Obviously, the shock of seeing her had dulled his senses. But, now, everything became much clearer.

Her scent.

It was missing.

Female Roamers gave off an intoxicating smell all of their own. Something that was missing from the dungeon. From the way Duncan was eyeing her warily, he’d obviously noticed some kind of a problem, too.

Ethan’s lip curled up as a plan began to take shape in his head.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Anne

Anne woke up in a cold sweat, the images of Nathan and Nikki still fresh in her mind. They’d been running from Victor and his pack after trying to rescue her. Although it was only a dream, in her heart she knew her children – they weren’t stupid and they’d never believe that she’d killed herself. It would only be a matter of time before they started searching for her, and although it gave her hope, it also frightened her. Victor wouldn’t stand for them interfering and she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to talk him out of killing them if he decided. She almost hoped they’d fail at tracking her down.

One week ago, Victor had brought her back to Las Vegas, this time to a gated mansion in the northern suburbs. From the feminine décor and extravagant furnishings, she could tell that the owner was a woman, and one with expensive tastes. Who she was, Anne had no idea. Nor did she care. The fact was that she was once again under her ex-husband’s thumb, only this time, she knew that the consequence of disobeying him would be deadly. To try and keep her family safe, she was resigned to doing what he wanted until she could figure a way out of the horrible mess.

She sat up, and suddenly, her stomach tightened up with cramps. Alarmed, she lightly placed her hand on her belly and pushed aside the covers. When she noticed the blood on her inner thighs, she couldn’t breathe.

The baby!

She scooted out of bed and went into the bathroom, only to find her worst nightmares confirmed.

A miscarriage…

Not only did this mean she’d never get to hold Caleb’s baby in her arms, it also meant that she was no longer useful to Victor. He’d kill her the moment he found out.

She covered her mouth in horror and began to sob.

***

Thirty minutes later, she somewhat managed to collect herself. She knew she needed to hide the evidence of her miscarriage before Victor found out. Not only to save her life, but Nikki’s and Nathan’s, too. She focused on that to try and block out the unbearable pain of losing the baby. She didn’t want to lose her other children and had to pull herself together.

Anne quickly changed out of her nightgown and then rinsed the stain out in the bathroom sink with hot water. After she hung it up on a hook to dry, she went back into the bedroom and stripped the linens from the bed. She then filled up the bathtub with hot water and shampoo, placing the soiled sheets inside to soak. Afterwards, she stepped back into the bedroom and re-made the bed without the sheets. As she was about to check on the sheets, there was a soft knock on the door.

She cleared her throat and tried to appear calm. “Yes?”

The door opened and one of the guards, a man named William, who had dark hair and a closely trimmed beard, stepped inside, carrying a silver tray. He’d been nothing but polite to her, and she relaxed slightly.

“Hello,” he said. “Brought you something.”

She forced a smiled. “Breakfast?”

He put the tray on the table and turned to her. “Well, it’s just after one p.m., so technically it’s lunch.”

“Thank you,” she said, staring at the pitcher. Although she’d been consuming blood now on a daily basis, Anne was still trying to adjust to the idea of her new diet. Even though she enjoyed the taste, it also disgusted her. She felt like a monster.

“Here,” replied William, noticing her hesitation. He picked up the pitcher and poured the thick, red liquid into her glass.

The coppery scent made her mouth water. “Thanks,” she replied, not meeting his eyes.

He handed her the glass. “Of course. You need your strength. So does the baby.”

Her other hand went to her stomach. “Yes.”

His brown eyes softened. “You know, you’re very pale. Almost too pale.”

She smiled grimly. “I’m a vampire now, right? It’s normal.”

“Yes, I know. But, I haven’t seen you this pale before. You have been feeding every day?”

“Yes. A few times a day, actually. Victor has made sure of that.”

“Yes. He wants you healthy. By the way, Dr. Shepard will be here later this evening. He is going to run a few blood tests and do an ultrasound. You’re three months pregnant?”

“I… I think so,” she replied, noticing that her hand was shaking. She put the glass down. “I’m really not positive, to be honest.”

“I’m sure he’ll be able to help determine how far along you really are.”

She was silent for a few seconds and then cleared her throat. “Victor told me that it’s very rare for a vampire to have a baby. Is that true?”

William shrugged. “I’m sure he’s right. I personally haven’t met too many vampires, so I couldn’t tell you one way or another.”

“You’re a lycan, too?”

“Yes.”

“Were you born that way?”

“No. I was bitten several years ago.”

“By one of Victor’s group?”

He shook his head. “No. I was bitten by someone else. I met Victor a few years ago, after it happened. He offered me a place with his own pack and a job. I’ve never looked back.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Certainly.”

She sat down on the bed. “Is it true that lycan and vampires are adversaries?”

“Let’s just say, there’s tension between us.”

“I don’t feel it with you,” she replied. “You seem different than the others, I guess. Not as volatile.”

“Look,” he said, lowering his voice. “I’m just doing my job and I mean you no harm. But, it’s true that there are others here who would jump at the chance to put you in your place or …” He looked away.

She gave him a puzzled look. “Or what?” she answered. “Kill me?”

“Let’s just say that there are worse things than dying,” he said, their eyes meeting again. “You’re in a very vulnerable position, pregnant or not. Victor isn’t due back here for a few days and some of the others are getting restless.”

“I don’t understand,” she replied, frowning. “Restless?”

His eyes darted to the door and then back to her. “Sometimes it’s hard for them to control their urges. And, for some reason, the thought of dominating a female vampire makes it even harder for them.”

Her eyes widened and she sucked in her breath. “You’re talking rape?”

He nodded. “Yes. That’s why they’ve made me your guard.”

“I don’t understand.”

He let out a long sigh. “Just know that I’m not a threat to you.”

“So… you don’t have the same urges?” she whispered, looking uncertain.

“No,” he replied, with a small smile. “I guess you could say that I prefer my mates in much the same way as you.”

It took her a minute, but then she grinned back. “Oh, how silly of me – you’re gay?”

“Yes.”

“And the others know?”

He nodded. “It’s why Victor posted me at your door.

“He doesn’t trust his pack?”

“Victor doesn’t trust anyone,” replied the man himself, stepping through the doorway.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Nikki

Martin followed me to the ranch. Fortunately, by the time we arrived, the snow had begun to taper off and the dark skies were now starlit and clear.

“Yes, if you’re still wondering, it’s definitely my place,” he said before I had a chance to ask.

We were standing in the shadows, next to the barn. The house was dark and I wondered if Faye was lurking around inside or if she’d left again. I crossed my fingers and hoped for the latter.

“You haven’t been back here in a while?”

“No. Once a month my father would stop by and check the place out. Make sure nobody had robbed or vandalized the place.” He sighed. “Now that he’s gone, I might have to sell it.”

“You’re not moving back here, I take it?”

“No. I’ll be returning to Europe as soon as this business with Victor is finished. I suppose I could ask Celeste if she wants it, although she’s more of a city girl.”

“Yeah, I couldn’t imagine her living in a place like this, which is crazy. It looks like a nice ranch.”

“It is. I used to own a few horses many years ago. I guess it reminded me of normal life.”

“What was normal for you, before all of this?” I asked.

He grinned. “Believe it or not, before we were vampires, we were farmers.”

“Really? I can’t picture Celeste raking hay or feeding chickens.”

He smiled. “She didn’t. Our father always babied her.”

You mean spoiled? I wanted to ask, but bit my tongue. “What about your mother?”

“She died when Celeste was really young. She became pregnant and we lost her and the baby.”

“I’m sorry. That must have been really hard.”

“It was. I guess you could say it was one of the factors that made us decide to become vampires. That and my sister ended up getting Typhoid.”

“So, I assume there was a vampire living up the road and you went to him or her for help?”

“A whore in town,” he replied, smiling grimly. “Our father didn’t like to think of her that way, but she was. She worked in the saloon and he made a few visits, I guess you could say. She turned him into a vampire and the rest is history.”

“Huh, I never knew that.”

“It’s not something we talk about,” he replied.

“So, what are you going to do with this place?”

“I’m probably just going to sell it. You interested?” he asked, smiling.

“Nathan and I don’t have any money,” I replied.

“Well, we might be able to discuss other options,” he replied. “Maybe you could rent it?”

I stared at the house and a shiver went through me. Here we were discussing selling his house when Duncan was locked inside of it. Truthfully, there was no way in hell that I could ever live in it. I’d have nightmares about it as it was.

“Martin, thanks for the offer, but I think we’re going to be staying in Shore Lake. We might help Duncan run the marina.”

“I understand.”

“Speaking of which, but what should we do about getting inside?”

He smirked. “It’s my house so I’m going to walk through the front door. You, on the other hand, should probably wait out here.”

“You really think you’re going to just walk inside and free Duncan?”

“No, but I do have a plan. Just wait out here and hide. Keep out of sight. If Faye sees you, I’m pretty sure it won’t work.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure it won’t either. Good luck.”

“Thanks,” he said and then flew to the porch.

He pulled out a set of keys from his jacket, and I watched him try to unlock the front door. Unfortunately, whatever key he was trying to use didn’t seem to be working. Glancing back at me with annoyance, he rang the doorbell.

I crouched down and waited breathlessly for Faye to answer the door. Instead, a large man with long, dark hair opened it.

“Who are you?” asked the stranger.

“My name is Martin and I think the real question is – who are you?”

“I’m Godrick,” the burly man answered, still blocking the doorway. “Are you here to see Faye?”

“I’m here because this is my home,” he replied stiffly. “And you’re obviously trespassing.”

Godrick was silent.

“Excuse me,” said Martin, trying to push past him and into the house.

Godrick held his ground and wouldn’t budge. He crossed his arms and puffed out his chest. “I’m sorry, but you’ll need to wait outside while I get someone to help you sort this problem out.”

“If you don’t step aside, you’re going to regret it,” said Martin, glaring up at him. It surprised me because Godrick stood almost a foot taller, but Martin didn’t seem to be very intimidated.

Godrick smiled coldly. “I think you’d better chill the fuck out, Martin. In the meantime, I’ll get Faye and you two can discuss who really owns this place.”

Martin folded his arms across his chest and nodded curtly. “Fine. Better get her out here quickly.”

Godrick shut the door and Martin turned around. I expected him to look angry, but instead, found that he was smiling.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Ethan & Duncan

“I’m glad that you and Duncan have consummated your relationship,” said Ethan, staring at the shape-shifter in the next cell.

“We’ve more than consummated it,” she replied, smiling. “We’ve fallen in love. Madly in love, haven’t we Duncan?”

Duncan closed his eyes.

She raised her voice. “Duncan?”

He cleared his throat but didn’t look at her. “I love Nikki with all of my heart.”

Faye’s smile was forced. “See,” she said, looking at Ethan.

“Good, because I’ve also come to the realization that I’m in love with someone else, Nikki. I guess it just took me a little time to think about it and now, I guess, things are quite clear. So, the fact that your heart belongs to Duncan is actually a relief.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Let me guess, you’re still in love with Miranda?”

He laughed. “Miranda? No, she’s been gone for many years. And, I don’t think she’s ever coming back. I’m not talking about her.”

“Who, then?” she snapped, walking up to the bars. She grabbed onto them and her eyes drilled into his. “Who is it that you think you’re in love with?”

“Faye,” he lied. He smiled wistfully. “I guess I’ve always loved her.”

Her eyes softened and then became guarded. “Faye? How could you love her after everything she’s done to you? Obviously she’s held you here against your will and from the look of you, has treated you poorly.”

“I know, but in actuality, I’ve deserved it,” he replied. “I guess I’ve felt that it’s my penance for hurting her.”

“Is that right?” she answered, staring at him. “You think she owed this to you?”

“I don’t expect you to understand,” he answered. “What Faye and I have isn’t even explainable. But obviously, it’s too late. She’ll never forgive me for the choices that I’ve made.”

Nikki licked her lips. “You could always try talking to her. Like I said, she’s much more reasonable than I’d imagined. Who knows, she may even forgive you.”

Ethan’s face lit up. “Do you really think so?”

She shrugged. “I don’t know. I mean, it’s worth a shot.”

Before he could answer, Godrick burst through the entrance to the dungeon. He rushed to Nikki’s cage and took out the keys.

“What’s happening?” she asked, feigning fright.

“Faye needs to speak with you. It’s urgent,” he replied, opening the cell door.

“Oh, okay,” she answered, stepping out of the cell.

“Follow me quickly,” he said, turning on his heel.

Nikki took one long look at Ethan before she followed the guard out of the basement.

Ethan turned back to Duncan and winked.

Duncan smiled grimly and shook his head.

***

Faye

“What’s the meaning of this?” she hissed, following him up the staircase toward the main level of the house.

“We have a visitor. A man named Martin. He says that he owns the place?”

Faye swore under her breath. “Celeste’s brother. Dammit, he has impeccable timing.”

“Apparently, he wants his house back,” he said, stopping at the top of the stairs.

She stepped around him and walked into the kitchen, which overlooked the great-room. She had to admit, the place was growing on her and she wasn’t ready to give it up. Not after the money she’d forked out to have it remodeled, including the prison-like chambers in the basement. She’d also added several new appliances in the kitchen, along with new cupboards, and granite countertops, which hadn’t been cheap. In the great-room, she’d also replaced the old shag carpeting and furniture with walnut wooden flooring and plush leather furniture.  She was quite certain that Martin wouldn’t even recognize the place. “Too bad, he can’t have it,” she snapped irritably while changing back into her usual form.

His eyes glittered in approval. “Can I say that I very much prefer you this way?”

She beamed a smile at him. “So do I. But, it was a necessary evil.”

“Did you find what you needed?”

She’d told Godrick that she was using Nikki’s form to get information from Ethan. The truth was, even though she’d originally done it only to hurt him, she had learned something important. Something that made her feel quite giddy. “Yes, in fact, I learned quite a bit.”

“Congratulations. So, what now?”

She walked toward the entryway of the rambler. “I’ll speak to Martin. Go back downstairs and if I need you, you’ll know.”

“Very well,” he replied, walking the other way.

Faye opened the front door and smiled up at the attractive Roamer on the porch. He looked like a younger version of Caleb. She smiled warmly. “Martin! What a lovely surprise.”

His smile was brittle. “I take it you’re Faye?”

“Of course. Would you like to come in?”

“Definitely,” he replied. “It’s kind of why I returned home, you know. To come in and maybe even stay here for a while. In my home.”

“Ah… I’m sure.”

He stepped into the foyer and looked around the great-room. “Wow, I love what you did to the place. Looks like you may have invested a lot to have it overhauled.”

She walked toward the rustic, caramel colored leather sofa near the fireplace and sat down. “Well, if you knew me, you’d realize that I prefer only the best. Not that your things were cheap. They just weren’t my style.”

He looked around. “Obviously not.”

She smiled up at him apologetically. “I’m very sorry. I take it Celeste didn’t tell you that I was renting this place?”

“No, she did not,” he said. “Which is unfortunate, because it wasn’t supposed to be available for rent.”

“So, what are you saying, Martin? You want me to pack up and go?”

He scratched his head and let out a ragged sigh. “Not necessarily. In fact, Celeste says such nice things about you, I’d feel like a jerk throwing you out.”

“Then don’t put yourself in that position,” she teased.

He sat down across from her. “Look, if you really want to keep staying here, that’s fine. I really came to find Victor.”

“Ah… So, you’ve heard what happened.”

“Yes, I did, and in all reality, I won’t be staying long. As soon as I kill him, I’ll probably be on my way.”

“You’ve spoken to your sister then?”

He nodded. “Yes and she wants him dead, too. Apparently, Victor did some horrible things to Celeste. He needs to pay for everything he’s done to my family. Lycan or not, he’s a dead man.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” she said, tilting her head. “I’m not a fan of him either.”

He grinned. “Good, because I have a proposition for you.”

She sighed. “I had a feeling you were going to say that.”

“Then, it should be no surprise to you then when I ask for your help.”

“To kill Victor?”

“Yes. Not that I can’t kill him myself. I just know that he’s part of a pack and I’d rather not face all of them alone.”

She was silent for several seconds and then sighed. “I won’t go after him directly, but you have my support.”

He smiled. “What does that mean, exactly?”

“I’ll give you whatever resources that you need to execute him. I’ll even give you information. I just don’t want him to know that I’m involved.”

“Why?”

“In case it doesn’t work out.”

“Oh, it will work out.”

“Good. Then, like I said, you have my support.”

Martin nodded. “Very well. What about the use of some of your men? Like the giant who answered the door?”

“Godrick? He’s my personal bodyguard. I can’t allow him to help you.”

“You need a bodyguard? I thought you were a shape-shifter.”

She rubbed her chin and smiled. “I’ve made a lot of enemies, Martin. It never hurts to have someone watching your back.”

“My sentiments exactly. That’s why I could use the help with Victor. Any help.”

She didn’t respond, only studied him quietly.

Martin, wondering how Nikki was holding up outside, looked at his watch. “Well, it’s late and I’d really like to get some rest before I face the prick. I don’t suppose my bedroom is how I left it?”

“You suppose right.”

“Then I guess one of the guestrooms will have to suffice. Tell me – does Godrick occupy one of them?”

“Yes – his is the one in the very back.”

He stood up. “Then, if you don’t mind, I’m going to excuse myself and get some rest in the other one.”

She nodded. “That’s fine. I heard that Victor is out of town, anyway. I’m pretty certain he took a flight to Vegas.”

“Do you know where he might have gone in Vegas?”

Her smile was smug. “I’m sure he went to my house.”

“Your house?” Martin’s eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

She stood up. “Yes. It’s one of a few. I’ve been purchasing property out there for pennies on the dollar since all of those foreclosures a while back. Anyway, I’ll give you the address. But, I also have a condition.”

“A proposition for me now? Whatever could that be?”

She chuckled. “You knew it was coming.”

“I had an idea,” he replied. “Okay, so what’s this proposition?”

Her eyes narrowed. “After you’re done with him, you kill the woman he’s hiding in my house.”

“Who is he hiding?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

She wrinkled her nose. “A woman named Anne. Have you heard of her?”

“No,” he lied. “I can’t say that I have.”

“Your sister never mentioned her?”

He walked over to the window and looked out into the darkness. “No, why would she?”

“Because Anne was your father’s little playmate. She’s also the reason he was murdered, so, you see – she deserves to die just as much as Victor.”

His eyes moved to the barn, where Nikki was waiting. “Then, I couldn’t agree with you more.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Nathan

Nathan and Celeste sat quietly in the kitchen. He was playing games on his cell phone while she stared at him, glowering.

“So,” said Celeste after a time. “You’re a lycan now. When did this happen?”

“Earlier today,” he replied stiffly.

“How?”

He looked up. “I was bitten by one of them.”

“Way to go,” she replied, smirking.

He smiled coldly. “Actually, I’d rather be one of them than a cold-hearted bitch like you.”

“Oh, please,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “Come up with something original at least.”

“I guess you’ve been told this many times then?”

“You know, Martin is right. Instead of being enemies, we should at least try to get along. I mean, we’re both trying to kill Victor. We have common goals.”

“Only when it comes to him. Otherwise, you’re just as ruthless and conniving as he is.”

She grinned. “Flattery will get you everywhere.”

This time he rolled his eyes. “What is up with you? One minute you’re trying to kill me or someone in my family, the next you’re flirting. You’re really fucked up, aren’t you?”

Her smile fell. “You’re a bastard. I mean, you really are, aren’t you?”

“Whatever. Look, just don’t talk to me, okay?” he said, looking back down at his phone. “No chit-chat, no insults, and no batting your eyes at me like I’m going to fall for it again.”

“Nathan?”

He sighed in irritation and looked up at her. “What?”

She fluttered her eyelashes. “You fell for it before?”

He scowled. “You know very well that I did – back when I was naïve and only interested in getting into your pants. But times have changed, sweetheart. I’m not falling for your charms again, so quit trying to play me for a fool. And, for God’s sake, quit looking at me like that!”

“Like what?” she asked, undressing him with her eyes.

His lips tightened. She just wouldn’t stop with the seductive shit. “Do you have any idea how pissed off I am at you? Not only have you lied to me, but you tried killing everyone I care about, including myself.”

“I know. I’m sorry,” she answered softly.

“You’re sorry?” he snapped. “That’s all you have to say about everything is you’re sorry?”

“Yes,” she answered, looking at him through her lashes. “I’ve been misguided. What can I say?”

“Say nothing and maybe we’ll get through all of this without trying to kill each other.”

“You know, you almost killed me too. At the club.”

“I was defending myself, so don’t throw that in my face.”

She pulled her red curls over her shoulder and twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “You were pretty bad-assed back there. I have to admit it.”

His lips twitched. “You think so?”

She leaned forward. “Nathan, you were so scary, I almost wet myself.”

“Did you hear me howl? It was so intense,” he replied, his face lighting up. “You know, I think I was born to be a lycan. I mean, you wouldn’t believe the rush I had, running through the streets. Hell, I must have been going forty miles an hour.”

She nodded and grinned. “I definitely know what that feels like. We go pretty fast, too.”

“I know. Even faster. But,” he smiled, “I can’t even begin to explain how fucking awesome it was. I felt like I could have kept running for miles.”

“To tell you the truth – it might have been from digesting some of my blood.”

His smile fell. “Yeah, maybe. Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t want it to come to that. But, you would have killed me if I wouldn’t have done it. And, deep down, I guess I kind of knew that you’d pull through pretty quickly.”

“I wouldn’t have killed you, Nathan,” she replied, staring at him. “I would have stopped before going that far. I just… I don’t know.” Celeste turned her eyes away. “Look, you’re right. I’m messed up. I don’t even know what I’m doing anymore. Ever since Martin left and daddy started spending so much time with your mom, I just felt like I was so alone.”

“So, what, you turned to Faye?”

She looked back at him. “Faye, as crazy and frightening as she can be, has been very supportive and kind. That’s why it’s hard for me to actually deceive her.”

“You’re not going to stand in the way of us trying to do what we have to do, are you?”

She smiled grimly. “I’m going to stay out of the way. I mean, if Duncan is being held at Martin’s by Faye, I’m not going to interfere. But, if one of you tried killing her, I don’t really know what I’d do. She’s been like a mother to me.”

“You must be the only person she cares about,” he replied.

She shrugged. “Maybe. Well, besides Ethan. Her feelings for him are a little out there, though. She is obsessed with him.”

“He’s dead though, right?”

“Like I said before, I really don’t know.”

“Now that Drake is dead, he can’t tell us either,” replied Nathan.

“Guess not.” She looked around the kitchen. “So, this is Duncan’s place, huh?”

“Yes. Sonny’s and Duncan’s. It was Sonny’s. Which reminds me,” his eyes narrowed. “Did you kill Sonny?”

“Sonny? No. That was Faye. She killed him and all of those other girls in town.”

“Because of Ethan?”

She nodded. “Anyone who resembled Miranda – Faye wanted them all dead. Or, anyone else Ethan seemed interested in.”

“What’s the story about Miranda, anyway?”

“From what I understand, Miranda was married to Ethan back when he was a mortal. But then, Ethan was seduced by some vampire, I guess.”

His eyes narrowed. “You mean charmed?”

“Probably,” she replied. “Anyway, the vampire bonded with him, and then disappeared. When she left, Ethan said he snapped out of it, and felt really guilty.”

“Did Miranda find out that he’d turned into a vampire?”

“She killed herself. I’m sure that’s why.”

Nathan’s eyes widened.  “Whoa, really? She committed suicide?”

She nodded. “Yes and then, I guess, some fortune-teller or psychic told Ethan that Miranda would return someday. That he should watch for her to step back into his life and try to make amends.

“As in reincarnation?”

“Probably. That’s what he told Faye.”

He scratched his head. “Wow, no wonder he was obsessed with finding her. Still, I don’t feel sorry for him. He betrayed Nikki. And you… you betrayed me, too.”

“Nathan, I never made any promises of any kind and I don’t recall actually betraying you.”

“What are you talking about? You were going to change me into a Roamer.”

She sighed. “A bad judgment. If you remember, I did change my mind.”

He snorted. “Oh, yeah, and you tried to kill me instead.”

“You sure hold grudges.” She stood up and walked over to him. “But, I don’t.”

He looked up at her. “What are you doing?”

She stepped behind him and put her hands on his shoulders. “Nathan, you’re so tense.” She began rubbing them. “You need to relax and let go of all the negative thoughts.”

He stiffened up. “Get your hands off of me,” he said, trying to shake her off.

“I’m not going to hurt you, Nathan,” she pouted. “For one thing, Martin would kill me. For another, every time I’m around you, I just want to touch you. I can’t seem to help myself.”

“I noticed. The last time you tried touching me with your teeth,” he snapped.

She giggled. “Oh, you big goof.”

He stood up and moved away from Celeste. He pointed at her. “I’m warning you – don’t come near me.”

Her eyes lowered to his zipper and she smiled in pleasure. “Looks like you enjoy it when I touch you, too.”

He stepped behind the counter. “Don’t waste your breath. I’m never thinking with that head again. I know what you’re like and messing around with you would be suicide.”

“But, don’t you remember how much fun we had?” She lifted the sweater over her head and tossed it to the floor.

His eyes flew to her shiny black pushup bra. “Victoria’s Secret?” he asked hoarsely.

She gave him a flirty smile and reached for the front clasp. “It can also be Nathan and Celeste’s secret,” she replied, opening it.

Staring at her breasts, he felt himself begin to slip. She was like heroin – a seductive killer with needle-like fangs. Lurid thoughts rushed through his mind and he sucked in his breath.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, smiling wickedly. “Go ahead, touch them.”

He tried backing away, but the kitchen suddenly felt small and confining. “Just… put those things away!”

“But, you used to love playing with them,” she pouted again, walking around the counter. She unzipped her black cargo pants and pushed them down to her ankles while he watched, frozen. Soon she was standing in front of him with nothing but black satin panties.

“They’re crotch-less,” she whispered, turning around. She bent over the counter and then looked at him over her shoulder, her smile feral and seductive. “Take me, Nathan. I’ll keep my hands on the counter and you can have your way with me.”

His heart was pounding in his chest.

She spread her legs farther apart, exposing her most intimate place. “I miss you, Nathan. I miss all of you.”

A fuse went off in his head. “You’re an evil bitch,” he growled, stepping behind her.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Anne

William quietly left Victor and Anne alone together in the master bedroom.

“Where have you been, Galen?” she asked politely. As usual, he was dressed in an expensively-tailored suit, and his white hair was pulled back into a ponytail. When they’d been married, his fashion had consisted of sweaters and jeans, ones that she’d picked out for him.

Ignoring the fact that she still called him by his middle name, he walked over to a cream-colored recliner sitting by the reading nook, and sank down into it. “Oh, here and there,” he replied, crossing a leg over his knee. He smirked. “Why, did you miss me, darling?”

“I was just curious as to where you’ve been. I’ve been stuck in this room for days, and it’s driving me crazy.”

He took out his cell phone and began pushing some buttons. “It’s not safe for you to be wandering through the house in your condition.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “Why? I’m only three months pregnant.”

“Don’t argue with me.”

“Can’t I go outside? At least at night. To get some fresh air? It would be good for the baby, I’m sure.”

She’d learned to use the pregnancy as a way to keep him amiable. During their marriage, he’d been quick to jump on her about anything and everything. Always complaining and lashing out at her verbally whenever he wasn’t satisfied with something she’d done, or didn’t do. Like, in the mornings – if she overcooked his toast, or failed to have dinner ready by exactly six-thirty in the evening. Her marriage to him had consisted mostly of tears and sometimes relief – when he’d go away for a few days, giving them all a break. When they’d finally divorced, she’d thought her life had taken a turn for the better. Instead, he’d manipulated and hurt her even more so. Now, she despised the man sitting across the room so much, that she wouldn’t mind killing him if given the chance.

He looked at his watch, it was almost midnight. “Tell you what – we’ll go for a walk before Doctor Shepard arrives. How about that?”

She bit back a sigh of relief. She knew it would be her one and only chance to escape before they found out that she was no longer pregnant. “Thank you. I’ve been feeling so claustrophobic. Not that this room isn’t lovely.”

He looked around. “It’s nice. You have a television, books, and that treadmill. If you are going to exercise, however, don’t strain yourself. We don’t want you having a miscarriage.”

She forced a smiled. “No. Heavens no. That would be horrible.”

He sent a text message to someone, and then shoved his phone back into his suit jacket. “Why don’t you finish your meal,” he said, nodding toward the glass of blood. “I’m going to change my clothing; I’ll return for you shortly.”

“Sure,” she replied. She’d been so terrified when he’d arrived unexpectedly, that she’d almost forgotten to drink the blood. The strength it gave her would not only help her escape, but, hopefully give her the courage to remove the chip in her stomach. Now that she knew the baby couldn’t be harmed, she’d decided to try and cut it out herself.

He walked toward the doorway and then turned back. “Oh, and by the way – don’t even think about trying to escape on this walk. One phone call to my boys in Shore Lake, and your children will be the ones who suffer for your stupid decision. Got it?”

She nodded quickly. “Yes. Of course. I’m not going to try anything.”

“Let’s hope not,” he answered. “Because I have a twenty-four hour watch on them and they wouldn’t be difficult to catch. Especially, Nathan. Neither would you, by the way.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” she answered quietly. “Just a walk. With you.”

He nodded and left the room.

Bastard.

Gritting her teeth, she went into the bathroom, grabbed a razorblade and a tweezers, hoping it would be enough to get to the chip before they found her.

***

Victor collected Anne fifteen minutes later, wearing a blue fleece hoodie and matching sweatpants. She’d also changed into a gray running suit.

“Ready?”

“Yes,” she answered, her stomach in knots.

He escorted her down the long, spiral staircase toward the front entryway, where he had another guard posted. The man was sitting down and reading a girly magazine.

“Enjoying yourself, Nigel?” asked Victor, his lips twitching.

Nigel stood up quickly and his face became flush when he saw Anne beside Victor. “Yes, I mean no,” he replied, hiding the magazine behind his back. “Going somewhere, sir?”

“We’re going for a walk,” said Victor, putting his arm around Anne’s shoulders. “We shouldn’t be gone too long. Hold the fort down for us?”

“Of course. Would you like an escort?” he asked.

Victor’s hand tightened on Anne’s shoulder painfully. He grinned at her displeasure. “No, we won’t be needing one. Will we, Anne darling?”

“No,” she replied, wincing. “Darling.”

“I didn’t think so,” he answered, releasing her shoulder. “Nigel, if Dr. Shepard arrives before we return, show him to the study and offer him a drink.”

“Will do,” the guard replied as they stepped past him and went out the front door.

The air was cool as they stepped out into the darkness. Anne looked up into the sky at the stars and sighed wistfully. “It’s a beautiful night… or morning, I guess.”

Victor grunted. “Missed it out here that much, huh? I remember a day when you never wanted to leave the house.”

“That was because I worked during the day and at night, I was tired. Raising two children will do that to you,” she replied evenly.

They walked across the driveway toward the gates. “I suppose,” he replied, saying nothing more.

They walked in silence and when they got to the gate, a security guard let them through.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

Victor reached into his hoodie pocket. He pulled out a cigar and a punch. “There’s a park just up the road. When we get to it, we’ll take a break and then head back.”

“Okay,” she replied, as he cut the end of his cigar and then put it in his mouth. “I thought you quit those.”

“Nope,” he replied, taking out a lighter. “Told you, I’m not a quitter.”

“Ha, ha,” she replied dryly. “Well, just don’t blow it my way. It can’t be good for the baby.”

Sighing, he shoved the cigar back into his pocket along with the lighter. “I guess it can wait.”

They walked silently in the darkness and Anne grew more nervous with each step. She’d decided to wait until they got to the park before trying to escape. After a few minutes, she cleared her throat. “So, have you seen Nikki or Nathan?”

“Yes, actually, I did earlier. It was at your funeral, actually.”

“Oh, you held it today?” she asked stiffly. She hated the fact that he’d lied to the children.

“Yes. I had you cremated. Anyway, it was lovely and we threw your ashes into the lake.”

“Whose ashes were they?”

“Some schmuck. I don’t really know. Drake got them for me. Speaking of Drake,” he said, pulling out his cell phone. “I haven’t heard from him in a while. Stop for a minute.”

She froze and watched as he dialed Drake’s number.

“Drake, call me pronto when you get this.” He hung up and shoved the phone back into his pocket. “I swear – you just can’t find good help these days.”

“I guess not.”

He sighed and they started walking again in a strained silence.

“How did Nikki and Nathan handle the funeral?” she asked quietly after a few more yards.

“Like they didn’t believe you were actually dead. I expected that, however.”

She looked at him. “You’re not going to harm them, are you?”

“I already told you that I wouldn’t, as long as you don’t give me any trouble.”

“I won’t,” she lied.

“Good. Now, what were you and William talking about in the bedroom earlier?”

“Oh, well, he told me that I should watch out for the other lycan in the house. He told me that they were getting anxious around me.”

“Anxious? I suppose he means excited. I’m going to have to bring in some entertainment for them soon, I suppose.”

“Entertainment?”

He smiled darkly. “Yes. You see lycan are very lustful creatures. Very, very amorous. Especially when they haven’t been allowed to have sex for a while. I’ll bet they’re pretty pissed off at me right now.”

Her eyes widened. “Let me get this straight – you haven’t allowed them to have sex?”

“I haven’t allowed them out of the house for the last couple of weeks.” He chuckled. “I suppose their balls are turning blue, especially knowing that there is woman in the house. A vampire woman. It’s a good idea to stay out of their path until I can bring in some girls.”

“You’re actually going to provide whores?”

“Yes. It’s better that way. Especially for you.”

Anne frowned. “What did you mean by having a vampire woman in the house? Why does that make a difference?”

“I suppose you wouldn’t know this, but we have a love-hate relationship with vampires. Not only do we want to destroy the bastards, no offense, Anne,” he said, chuckling, “your turning was well out of your control. Anyway, the females give off some kind of pheromone. Something that riles us up.”

“Are you saying that I affect them almost like a bitch in heat?”

He smirked. “Good analogy. Yes. Even I am drawn to you,” he said, his eyes settling on her chest. “More than ever.”

She raised her hand to her chest and swallowed. “Galen – I…”

“Don’t worry,” he interrupted, looking back into her eyes. “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt the child growing inside of you.”

She sighed. “Thank you.”

“I’m not going to lie to you, Anne, I’m not a nice guy. I’m a ruthless prick. One who will do anything I have to in order to succeed with my plans. I even married you, just so that I’d get off of the Feds’ radar. They were watching me very closely at the time. Admittedly, I was rather fond of you and that’s why you were chosen among several other candidates.”

“Candidates? Wow, you really know how to knock a girl’s socks off,” she replied dryly.

He shrugged. “I know that I used you and my temper sometimes got the best of me. Believe it or not, I do understand your bitterness. But,” he smiled, “now that things are in the open, I hope that we can come to a better understanding. Who knows, maybe even become friends.”

Her eyebrow arched. “Friends?”

He sighed. “You’re right. I can’t have friends. I’m the leader of my pack. The Alpha. My lycan need to respect and obey me at all times. Any weakness could be used against me by someone trying to take my place. If I had friends, it would make me vulnerable.”

“That sounds like a lonely existence,” replied Anne softly, thankful that she wasn’t him or even a lycan.

“I’m never alone,” he replied. “And, I don’t expect you to understand our way. I enjoy my life and have no regrets.”

“None?”

He smiled. “There are a few. But, they won’t be around much longer.”

The meaning behind his words gave her the chills. Someone was definitely going to die. She just hoped it wasn’t her children. Or her.

When they reached the park, Victor’s cell phone began to ring.

“It better be Drake,” he muttered, pulling out his phone. He swore as he answered it. “Yeah?”

Anne listened as he spoke. His words were clipped and the agitation in his voice grew as the conversation went one.

“I don’t care. Find out what’s happening. Yes. I agree. This is totally unacceptable. No.”

As he went on, he turned his back to her and continued.

Anne glanced toward the edge of the park, which led to a small forest. She decided that if she couldn’t get her feet off of the ground, she might at least have a chance in the woods. Regardless, her life was hanging on a string, and the moment Dr. Shepard found out the truth, she’d be a very dead woman. At least this way, she’d have a chance.

“Dammit! I’m not going to say it again – find them!” he barked into the phone.

She took a deep breath and began to run.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Nikki

I began to get restless, hiding in the barn. Martin had been inside for more than thirty minutes, and I was beginning to get agitated.

“Dammit,” I whispered, biting my nails, which were so hard, they wouldn’t give. Frustrated, I began to pace as random thoughts flooded my mind.

Was he okay or was he now her prisoner, too? Or… what if this was a set-up and Nathan was fighting off Celeste at this very minute?

I groaned, not knowing what to do.

My cell phone began to vibrate. I pulled it out and looked.

Nathan.

“What?” I whispered.

“It’s Celeste. Look, Martin sent us a cryptic message,” she replied. “He seems to be okay and said that he’s turning in for the night at the ranch. Said that everything is going well and not to worry.”

“Turning in? How did he get Nathan’s phone number?”

“He must have my cell phone,” she replied. “Anyway, I’m thinking that Martin is waiting for Faye to go to bed before he makes any kind of move.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“Where are you?”

“Close,” I replied, not willing to give her that much.

“Okay. Well, just continue to wait wherever you are and don’t do anything to draw attention to yourself. If you do something stupid, you might put my brother in danger.”

At least she worried about someone.

“Not planning on it,” I said tightly. “How is Nathan? You haven’t sucked him dry, have you?”

She giggled. “He’s doing pretty well, actually. He’s standing right here, still full of blood.”

“Can I talk to him?”

“Sure.”

A second later he was on the line and I sighed in relief. “Good, you’re okay,” I said. “The fact that she had your cell phone scared the crap out of me.”

“I’m fine,” he replied. “No worries.”

Right. Easier said than done when it came to Celeste…

“Is she being good?”

“She’s being… Celeste,” he replied. It sounded like he was grinning into the phone and my stomach clenched.

I sighed. “She’s not trying to… you know…”

“Don’t worry about me,” he said quickly. “Where exactly are you?”

“In the barn. Don’t tell Celeste I told you that, by the way. Anyway, I’m waiting for Martin to send me some kind of signal from the house.”

“Hang up the phone. Someone might hear you.”

“Okay.”

“Stay safe.”

“You too, Nathan. And don’t you dare let your guard down around her.”

“I won’t.”

“I’m serious. She tried killing you. Twice. Don’t forget.”

“Believe me, three times is not the charm, Twerp. Not with me.”

I grinned at his old endearment. I missed the days of being just a simple twerp. “Promise?”

“I’m a fucking animal now, Nik,” he joked and then roared like a lion. “Ain’t nobody going to get the better of me. Right, Celeste?”

I couldn’t hear what she said, but he laughed.

Suddenly a noise from outside drew my attention. An engine.

“Gotta go,” I whispered, hanging up. I quickly flew up to the top of the loft and peered outside. Two men had just gotten out of a dark gray sedan and were walking toward the front door. They were both tall, somewhere in their thirties, and dressed casually.

“You think she’s there?” murmured the taller of the two. He had spiky blonde hair and looked as if spent a lot of time at the beach. Definitely not a vampire.

“Don’t know,” replied the other guy, who had dark, curly hair and was a little husky. He rang the doorbell. “I hope so, though. I don’t want to be the one to call Victor back to tell him we can’t find her. He’s going to be pissed.”

The other man grunted.

As I wondered why Victor was interested in Faye’s whereabouts, she opened the door.

“Victor sent us. To send you a message,” said the blonde.

Even in the darkness, I could see her scowl perfectly. She stepped out on the porch and closed the door behind her. “Fools, I have Celeste’s brother here. Don’t mention his name again. Unless you have a death wish.”

“That doesn’t scare me,” said the dark-haired guy. “In fact, I’m glad he showed up here. See, Victor wants Celeste terminated. We may as well do the brother, too. Since he’ll become a problem when he learns of her death anyway.”

“No,” she snapped. “We made a deal. Celeste is very useful to me and I won’t give her up. I already told him that before.”

The dark-haired man shrugged. “I don’t know what kind of deal you made with Victor. All I know is that we were supposed to tell you to get rid of the girl. He doesn’t trust her. She’s nothing but trouble and needs to disappear.”

“I can handle her.”

“Then tell it to Victor,” he replied. “We’re just relaying the message.”

“Why couldn’t he call me himself?” she replied. “Why did he send you two?”

“Victor doesn’t trust telephones,” said the dark-haired guy. “Not when it comes to something like this. He thinks the Feds might still be trying to pin something on him.”

She let out a weary sigh. “Very well, I’ll go and see him myself. Where is he? Still in Vegas?”

“Yeah. We just flew out from there ourselves. Anyway, you’d better move quick if you want to talk him out of it. He’s already sent someone to Shore Lake to get the job done. He just wanted you to hear about it first.”

“How considerate,” she replied dryly.

The dark-haired guy jingled his keys. “We’re taking off. You want us to do the brother?”

“No,” she snapped.

“You sure? We’d love us a little vampire flesh to get the blood pumping. It’s a pure adrenaline rush, man.”

“Not even a shape-shifter tastes as good,” joked the husky brunette.

“Unless they’re sharing your bed,” joked the blonde, eyeing her hungrily.

She glared at them. “Do you really have to be so obnoxious?”

Just then, the door opened and Martin himself joined them on the porch.

“Everything okay, Faye?” he asked.

“Yes,” she replied in a clipped tone. “They were just leaving.”

Martin sniffed. “Lycan?”

“That’s right, vampire,” replied the dark-haired man, smirking.

Martin smiled coldly. “Have a safe trip home.”

The other two men looked at each other, and from the tension in the air, I knew it wouldn’t take much to start an altercation.

“Yes,” said Faye, moving between the three men. “You should really get moving. You must have a plane to catch?”

“Not until this evening,” replied the blonde. “Which reminds me, we haven’t eaten. Let’s go find a diner or something, Joe.”

Joe smirked. “I don’t know, I’m kind of hungry for something much rarer than what’s being served in town.”

“There’s a diner about ten miles north of here. Has the best steak and eggs,” said Faye. “They’re really to die for. Unlike… what you’re contemplating here.”

Joe threw his head back and laughed. “That was good. Okay, we’ll leave. But, remember what we told you, Faye. It’s going to happen soon. So, if you want to do something about it, you’d better act quickly.”

She didn’t say anything.

The two men turned around and walked back to the car.

Faye and Martin watched them leave and then looked at each other.

“Nice friends you have there, Faye,” said Martin, leaning against the porch.

“Obviously they’re Victor’s men.”

“I figured as much. I should have just taken them out.”

“Then Victor would have known that I was involved.”

“What’s the difference? They’re going to tell him about me. He’ll put two-and-two together. Know that I’m Caleb’s son.”

“I’m not worried about that. They already know that Celeste is in my care and you showing up here shouldn’t be a surprise.”

“Does Celeste know that you have dealings with Victor?” he asked.

“No,” she said. “And there is no reason for her to find out. She wouldn’t understand.”

“But I do?”

Faye reached up and touched his cheek. “I’m going to try and help you destroy the man who killed your father. What else is there to understand?”

He sighed.

“Don’t tell her,” she said, smiling up at him. “I don’t want her upset.”

He stared at her incredulously. “You do really care for my sister, don’t you?”

“Yes,” she replied, stepping away from him. “Which reminds me, I have to leave for a few hours.”

His eyes widened. “Where?”

“Business,” she replied, opening the front door. “But, don’t worry, Godrick will be around if you need anything.”

Martin followed her inside and I didn’t hear the rest of the conversation, nor did I need to. Faye was soon leaving and not only would it give me a chance to help rescue Duncan, but my gut told me that my mother was now back in Vegas.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Anne

Anne raced toward the woods, her heart pounding madly in her chest. She’d heard Victor holler in protest and knew that if she couldn’t figure out the flying thing soon, there would be hell to pay. Taking a deep breath, she leaped into the air, and when her feet stayed off the ground, she sobbed in relief.

Thank you… thank you… thank you…

Feeling a rush of adrenaline, she flew over the trees and headed toward the bright city lights, not daring to glance back toward Victor, who was undoubtedly having a conniption. When she reached the edge of town, she searched for a place to land – somewhere high off the ground and private. She eventually decided on a new hotel that wasn’t quite finished and aimed for the roof. When her feet touched concrete, she stumbled and lost her balance, landing on her stomach. She smiled at the discomfort of freedom, and turned over to look up at the stars.

She was free...

She took a few minutes to enjoy the euphoria, but then reminded herself that she wasn’t out of danger, nor were her children. She needed to remove the chip and get back to Shore Lake.

She sat up and reached into her pocket for the razorblade and tweezers that she’d wrapped in tissue. Although nothing was very sterile, she wasn’t too worried. If her new body could recover from breast cancer and a miscarriage, then she could certainly beat an infection.

Trying not to think about the baby she’d never get to cradle, she pulled her shirt up over her stomach, revealing the spot where they’d placed the damning chip. She couldn’t see anything, but could definitely feel a small lump next to her bellybutton. Biting her lower lip, she pinched the lump and then quickly, before changing her mind, cut into it with the razor blade.

Okay, not so bad…

She released the breath she’d been holding. Although there wasn’t much pain, blood began to spill out of the small incision. With her hands shaking, she took the tweezers and pushed it inside of the cut, trying to feel around for the chip.

Without a question – that hurt…

“Ah…” she gasped, pushing the tweezers around as she searched blindly. Not only was it painful, but she was frightened of puncturing something important. When she still couldn’t find anything, she removed the tweezers and jabbed her finger inside, crying out. Fortunately, it was worth the agony. She caught the tiny, metallic-looking object with her nail and scraped it out.

“Here’s your chip,” she whispered, smiling at it in triumph. Holding her side, she stood up, walked over to the edge of the building, and flicked the chip out of her fingers. As it disappeared over the edge, she let out a sigh of relief.

Now, she was free…

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Faye

Martin retired to the guest room, and Faye sought out Godrick, who was now in the kitchen.

“I have to leave,” she said, quietly. “Do me a favor and keep an eye on Martin.”

“What about the prisoners? What if he finds them? He might not understand, since they’re also Roamers.”

She thought about it for a few seconds and then replied. “I want you to kill Duncan. Take him out to the barn and make sure he doesn’t come back out of there alive.”

He grinned his approval. “And Ethan?”

Her eyes softened. “Things have changed. In fact, I’m going to have a quick word with him before I leave. Give me the keys.”

He reached into his pocket and pulled them out. “What do you mean, things have changed?” he asked, puzzled.

She stepped toward the doorway leading to the basement. “I’m releasing him.”

His eyes widened. “Release him? After everything that’s happened? It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense!”

She turned to him, her face dark. “Keep your voice down,” she hissed.

“I’m sorry,” he replied, lowering it. “But, I just don’t understand why you’re releasing him? Why now?”

“Look, it’s none of your concern. Just do what I ask. Oh, and when you’ve finished killing Duncan and disposing of his body, meet me back at Club Nightshade. I should be there before daylight.”

“Whatever you wish,” he replied, lowering his eyes.

Faye knew that he was confused, but she also knew he was loyal and would carry out her orders.

“Thank you,” she replied, before walking downstairs. When she entered the dungeon below, both prisoners looked up.

Ignoring Duncan, she stepped over to Ethan’s cell and stared at him through the bars. He looked gaunt once again, and she figured it was because of the last beating from Godrick. The blood he’d consumed had healed his wounds but hadn’t been enough to restore him anywhere near proper health.

“What now, Faye?” he asked, sounding tired.

She hesitated. “If I release you – what would you do? Seek revenge?”

He was slow to answer. “If you release me, I would leave here and I promise – it would be the last you’d see of me.”

Her eyebrow arched. It wasn’t exactly the words she expected. “You’d disappear? For good?”

“We’ve done each other wrong, Faye. The only thing that makes sense to me, at the moment, is to get as far away from you as I can. For both of our sakes.”

She tilted her head and gave him a quizzical look. “When you say, we’ve done each other wrong – how have you done me wrong?” she asked, trying to probe into his mind. Unfortunately, ever since he’d almost killed her, her telepathic abilities no longer worked, or else he’d just learned how to block her.

He let out a ragged sigh. “Clearly, I’ve wronged you.”

“You’ve wronged me?” she repeated, wanting to believe that he was telling the truth. That he really felt that way. His face conveyed sincerity and the words he spoke earlier, when he thought she was Nikki…

Had he finally seen the light?

“Yes, Faye. I guess you could say that I’ve been confused. About Nikki. So much that it’s clouded all of my decisions. I know it’s not an excuse… but things have finally become so clear now….”

She unlocked his cell and stepped inside. “What do you mean?” she asked softly, wanting to hear more. Needing to hear the words she’d been dreaming about since the day Nikki had walked into all of their lives.

He stared into her eyes and his smile was bittersweet. “The truth is that most of my life I’ve been searching for Miranda, and I guess I truly did believe that Nikki was her.”

“And now you know that she isn’t?”

“Yes, I know now that I’ve been wasting my time with her. I’ve been wasting my time on a lot of things.”

“Why can’t you let go of Miranda?” she asked breathlessly, resisting the urge to touch him.

“The guilt,” he replied. He looked away. “It’s been eating me alive. All these years.”

“What do you mean by guilt?”

“I thought you knew – Miranda killed herself,” he replied.

Her eyes widened. “She did?”

His eyes glimmered with tears. “Because of me. She couldn’t handle the fact that I’d become a monster.”

She put her hands on his cheeks. “Listen to me, Ethan, you can’t blame yourself for that – and you are not a monster. If anyone is,” she blinked back tears, “it’s me,” she whispered hoarsely. “I’ve treated you horribly.”

“No, Faye,” he replied. “I deserve to die for the way I’ve dismissed you from my life. I was too caught up in trying to right a wrong that I never considered your feelings. I’ve been a selfish bastard.”

“Enough,” she replied, bringing her lips to his. “We’ll start over, my love. We’ll leave this place and start over somewhere.”

“We will?” he whispered. “But, how can you forgive me?”

She pulled back. “If you can forgive me, I can forgive you.”

“Of course,” he replied, smiling warmly. “You have no idea how happy I am, Faye. How much this means to me.”

She kissed his lips again and then began unlocking his shackles. “Ethan, I’m going to let you go so you can feed and regain your strength, while I’m gone. Then, when I return, we’ll go wherever you want. Maybe Europe?” She sighed happily. “I haven’t been to Europe in years. We could go to Paris and start over. Just the two of us.”

“Where are you going?” he asked, trying to get her to talk. Knowing Faye, she was up to no good, and if it had anything to do with Nikki, he needed to find out. “Can’t we just leave now?”

“Celeste is in danger. I have to help her.”

His eyes widened. “Celeste?”

“Yes, I’m going to Vegas to talk to Victor. He’s put a hit out on her and I need to stop him.”

“Would you like me to accompany you?” he asked, rubbing his sore wrists.

Smiling, she caressed his arm. “Normally, I’d love that, but Ethan, you need to rest and feed. You’re chilled to the bone.”

“I am pretty weak,” he admitted.

“Look,” she said, lowering her voice. “Celeste’s brother is here. This is his house and he has no idea that you or Duncan are here.”

“Martin is here?”

“Yes, you know him?”

“We’ve met a few times.”

“Well,” she glanced toward Duncan’s cell and then looked back at Ethan. “Godrick is going to finish off Duncan and then take off. I suggest you also leave quickly. Find yourself a hearty meal, gain your strength, and then meet me at Club Nightshade.”

“Sure.”

She stared at his bare chest, which was dirty and bloodstained. “And, no offense, but take a shower at my condo. There are some clothes you left in the guestroom awhile back. I just didn’t have the heart to dispose of them.”

“Thank you, Faye,” he replied, lying through his teeth again. “For giving me another chance.”

She brought her lips to his ear and nibbled on his lobe. “Just don’t make me regret it,” she whispered.

***

Ethan followed Faye out of his cell, ignoring Duncan, who was trying to make eye contact, obviously perplexed. Ethan was weak and needed to focus on his act of deceiving Faye, which was taxing. It had taken a lot of effort to not bash her in the head when she’d touched and kissed him. And then there was the talk of love. If anything, he was more disgusted and repelled by her than ever before.

“Godrick,” Faye said, as they entered the kitchen. “Remember what I told you and do it quickly.”

Ethan and Godrick stared at each other coldly. More than anything, he wanted to beat the guard senseless with his bare hands, tear out his heart, and drop it onto Faye’s lap. It was more than obvious that Godrick was in love with her. As far as he was concerned, besides Faye herself, Godrick was the only other being that truly worshiped her.

“Godrick,” she snapped.

The guard looked at her. “As you wish.”

Faye nodded and then turned to Ethan. “Come, we’ll leave this place together and go our separate ways.”

He nodded.

She kissed his lips and the crestfallen look on Godrick’s face was worth the aggravation.

“Ethan will be returning to Club Nightshade, too, Godrick. He’ll be staying at my penthouse. From now on, you are to treat him with respect and give him anything he requires.”

The guard clenched his teeth. “Yes, Faye. If that is your will.”

She walked over and patted the side of his face. “Now, don’t be like that, Godrick.”

He didn’t reply, he just continued glaring at Ethan, who smiled smugly.

Faye sighed and then began walking out of the kitchen, toward the great room. “Come on, Ethan. He needs some time to adjust.”

“You mean sulk?” replied Ethan.

“Be nice,” she said, going through the doorway. “Both of you.”

Godrick mumbled. “You hurt her, and you’ll be begging for death.”

Ethan’s eyes glittered darkly. “Your mistress has issued you an order. To be nice.”

“Fuck you.”

He laughed. “I think you’d better heel, Dogrick.”

“It’s Godrick,” he growled.

“Woof,” replied Ethan, daring him to try something.

Godrick clenched his fists. “I’m going to be watching you closely. One wrong move and I’ll make sure that you don’t survive the next beating from me.”

Ethan raised his arms. “Since you couldn’t kill me with my hands tied behind my back, your threats mean shit to me.”

“I spared your life on purpose.”

“Than that was your mistake,” replied Ethan, smiling coldly.

Godrick’s face was almost purple, he was so angry.

“Ethan,” said Faye, walking back into the kitchen, this time nude. “We have to go. Quit goading Godrick.”

The guard stared at Faye’s perfect curves hungrily while Ethan held back his laughter. Godrick had no idea how truly hideous the real Faye was, both inside and out. All he saw was the illusion and not the grotesque monster lurking inside.

“I’m coming,” replied Ethan, stepping next to her. As they walked out of the kitchen together, he looked back at Godrick and grinned triumphantly.

Chapter Thirty

Nikki

Fifteen minutes after the two lycan left the ranch, Faye stepped out of the house, and she was not alone.

I gasped.

Son-of-a-bitch…

Two individuals, who I despised more than anything else in the world, were once again reunited, and from the looks on their faces, pretty happy with themselves.

I hope they end up killing each other, I thought, seething inside. Save me the trouble…

Faye, who was prancing around nude and carrying some kind of designer tote bag, kissed Ethan quickly on the lips, and then transformed herself back into the gargoyle-like creature. She grabbed the sequined tote clumsily with her claws, and leaped into the sky. As I waited to see what Ethan would do next, someone put a hand over my mouth and I heard the click of a gun.

“Don’t move,” warned the man, a smile in his voice. “Or your brains will look like horseshit.”

I recognized Joe’s voice immediately. I considered piercing his hand with my teeth, but, he had also considered it.

“You bite me, and I’ll yank them out with the pliers that I have in the back of my trunk. That is, before I blow your head off. Then, I’ll make a necklace out of those pearly whites.”

I sighed.

“Hey, isn’t this Victor’s stepdaughter? Nicole?” asked the other lycan, as Joe pulled me toward the center of the barn.

“I believe it is,” he replied, chuckling. “Which means that our luck has taken a turn for the better. He’s going to be thrilled when he finds out we’ve found her.”

The other lycan eyed me lewdly. “Maybe we should take our time in telling him. Have ourselves a little fun first.”

I could feel Joe’s hand stiffen up. “I don’t think he’d like that, Jack. Not one bit.”

“We don’t owe him anything. You especially don’t. He killed your brother.”

“Yeah, but Tommy challenged Victor. Tried to make a fool out him. He was left with no choice but to make an example of the dope. Otherwise, it would have been a sign of weakness.”

“That’s what he told you, but there could have been another way. He wanted to kill Tommy. It was just an excuse.”

Joe was silent.

Jack looked at me and licked his lips. “You know what they say about these female vampires, Joe. They’re like nothing else.”

Joe sniffed my neck. “I tell you what – if she tastes as good as she smells, it will be worth it.”

Crap, I thought, my eyes darting around. I knew I had to get out of there. The lycan were both hungry and horny, and they were eyeing me like a two-for-one deal.

“I won’t tell if you won’t,” said Jack.

“I will,” I snapped. “You touch me in any way, and so help me, Victor will know everything. And I’ll also make sure that he knows you purposely tried to deceive him.”

“Then maybe we’ll never admit to finding you,” said Joe, licking my ear. “We’ll have our way and then make sure that you’re never seen or heard from again.”

“Believe me, killing her is much harder than it looks,” said a voice from the rafters. “So, I’d give up now and save yourselves the humility of getting your asses handed to you.”

Surprised, I looked up and my eyes met Ethan’s. “Great, just when I didn’t think this situation could get any worse,” I muttered.

“Never underestimate fate,” he replied, smiling. “She’s got a twisted sense of humor.”

“Apparently,” I replied, looking away.

“Who’s up there?” shouted Jack, his eyes beginning to glow. “Is that you, Martin?”

“No, I’m right here,” growled Martin, who was now blocking the doorway, his presence menacing.

“You know, I thought you canines had a better sense of awareness. I guess I overestimated you guys,” I said, feeling hopeful now that Martin had finally gotten back to me.

“Normally they do,” replied Ethan, dropping down from the rafters. “But they’re practically humping your leg as it is; you’ve gotten them so riled up.”

“Thanks for that disturbing image,” I replied, giving him a dirty look.

Joe put the gun back up to my head. “Touch me, and she dies,” he threatened.

Martin sighed. “Really? You’re really going to do this? When there’s three of us and only one of you?”

“Don’t test me,” he snapped, as Jack quickly moved to his side. “If you haven’t noticed – I’ve got the gun and the… girl.”

Tired of him manhandling me, I elbowed him as hard as I could in the ribcage, and then shot up into the loft above before he could fire off the gun.

Ethan laughed and clapped his hands together. “That was entertaining. I guess you showed us what kind of badasses you really are.”

“With the emphasis on ‘asses’,” chuckled Martin.

“Fool,” growled Jack, turning into a golden-brown lycan. He sprang at Martin, who grabbed him by the throat and then slammed him to the ground. He jumped on top of him and began pounding his fist into the lycan’s torso while holding his head down with the other hand.

Joe, who had also turned, leaped in the air toward Ethan. They fell into the hay and I watched as he struggled to keep the lycan’s jagged teeth from getting too close to his face. Even in the darkness I could tell how pale and gaunt Ethan was. Obviously, undernourished.

I sighed and cracked my knuckles.

I suppose…

Even though I still held a lot of resentment toward him, I jumped on top of Joe’s back and wrapped my arm around his coarse, fur-lined neck. Holding tightly, I tried not to gag. He smelled horrible, even for a lycan.

“Thanks,” grunted Ethan, before impaling the creature with his fangs.

Joe tried to fight us both off, but soon lost consciousness. I crawled off of him and checked on Martin, who was scowling down at his blood-stained shirt.

“You okay?” I asked Martin, staring at Jack, who now looked like the biggest pile of road-kill ever. I turned back to him. “Wow, that didn’t take very long.”

“He was a pathetic man, but even more so of a lycan. Had no idea how to fight or defend himself. I wonder if Victor has any idea of how weak some of his comrades are,” he replied.

“Where is Duncan?” I asked. “Did you find him?”

“No,” he replied. “I never got the chance. I was going to check on you, when I bumped into Ethan, and then we both heard these pieces of shit talking to you.”

“Is Duncan inside?” I asked Ethan, who pushed the other lycan away and stood up. The change was incredible. His face was flush and filled in, his eyes sparkled with vitality.

“Yes,” he replied, wiping the blood from his hands onto his jeans, which had seen much better days. He looked at Martin. “Did you try some of that lycan blood? It’s nasty but rejuvenating.”

“No,” he answered. “Never had it. Too worried I’d end up howling at the moon.”

“Shit,” said Ethan, running a hand through his dark hair. “Guess I’ll have to invest in some heavy-duty razors if that’s the case.”

“You’ll be fine,” I replied, walking toward the door. “I’ve had some and I’m still fuzz-free.”

“Wait – Godrick is still inside,” said Martin.

I froze and turned around. “So, let’s go kick his ass and free Duncan.”

“If you wait a few minutes, he’ll come to you. Godrick is going to bring Duncan out here and kill him.”

I sucked in my breath. “What?”

Ethan walked over to me. “I’ll stop him before he does anything. I have a bone to pick with that prick.”

“Right,” I answered, scowling. “Godrick is going to come out here and then you’re both going to turn on us.”

His eyes darkened. “Nikki, we need to talk.”

I took a step away from him. “Why don’t you save your conversations for Faye? Or better yet – Victor. Or, maybe Celeste. You and I have nothing to say to each other.”

“Someone is coming,” whispered Martin. “Hide.”

We flew up to the rafters just as Godrick pushed Duncan through the barn door. His face was black and blue and his arms were bound together.

Seething, I prepared to leap down, but Martin grabbed my arm, motioning for me to wait.

“Looky at what we have here,” said Godrick, staring down at the dead lycan. “Someone’s been having a party in the barn. We must have missed the invite.”

Duncan didn’t respond.

“What – you didn’t think that was funny?” snarled the guard, kicking Duncan in the stomach, who fell to his knees.

I clenched my jaw and tried breaking free from Martin’s grasp, but he held me firmly.

I blew out a frustrated breath.

“Ethan!” shouted Godrick, spinning around. “I know you’re in here. I can smell your stench.”

I looked at Ethan and whispered. “He’s right, you do stink. Shower much?”

Ethan rolled his eyes.

Godrick grunted. “Oh, you have a girl with you? I wonder how Faye would feel about that.”

I smirked at Ethan.

Ignoring me, he flew back down, landing behind Godrick. I watched as he tapped him on the shoulder. “Hey, asshole.”

Godrick turned around and Ethan punched him in the face. The giant Roamer didn’t even flinch. Instead, he laughed. “That’s all you got, pretty boy?”

Scowling, Ethan pulled his fist back again, but Godrick grabbed his hand and twisted it, bringing him to his knees.

Martin and I looked at each other.

“I’m older and more powerful, kid,” sneered Godrick. “Why do you think she hired me to keep you pieces of shit in line?” He then grabbed Ethan by the front of the shirt and threw him across the barn. “I must say,” he yelled, leaping on top of him. “I thought you’d be a little more of a challenge. I’m disappointed Faye chose such a wimp as her mate.”

“Fuck you,” said Ethan.

“No, you’re the one who’s fucked when I tell her about the female Roamer hiding above,” he replied and then began punching him in the face.

“Oh hell,” mumbled Martin, jumping off the loft.

I also leaped over the side and landed next to Duncan, who appeared dazed and confused.

“Nikki?” he whispered, staring at me with uncertainty.

I pulled him into my arms. “Yes, Duncan. It’s me.”

He inhaled and then slid his arms around my waist. “Yes,” he whispered, relaxing. “It definitely is.”

“I knew you were up to no good,” hollered Godrick, now standing. He grabbed Martin by the neck and slammed him against the wall. “And here Faye is trying to save your little sister at this very moment. You should be ashamed of yourself for teaming up with these losers.”

“What?” rasped Martin, trying to pry Godrick’s fingers from his neck. “What do you mean?”

Before the guard could answer, Ethan hit him in the back of the head with a shovel.

Still, he didn’t flinch.

Crap, this guy is strong, I thought, now looking around for something to stop him.

Sighing, Godrick released Martin, who slid to the ground, and then turned on Ethan.

Ethan brought the shovel back and hit him in the face with it.

Godrick growled, then grabbed it from him, and tossed it aside.

“Jesus,” muttered Martin, standing back up, looking slightly dazed himself.

Ethan raised his fists and growled, “You want to do this, douchebag? Let’s go.”

Godrick threw his head back and laughed. “You’re stubborn, I’ll give you that.”

Ethan’s knuckles connected with his nose.

Godrick stepped backwards and touched it, a cold smile on his face. “Did you see a fly around here? I think it may have landed on my face. “

Wincing, Ethan curled and uncurled his fist. “It probably was attracted to that shitty breath of yours.”

His face darkened. “You never learn, do you?” snarled Godrick, pulling out a dagger from his belt. He unsheathed the knife and then held it up, looking at the point. “You know, I’m going to enjoy cutting out your heart. Then, I’m going to bring it to Faye, so she can see Nikki’s initials carved there.”

I rolled my eyes. As far as I was concerned, Ethan didn’t have a conscience or a heart.

Ethan’s eyes darted to me and back to Godrick. “Let’s talk about love, shall we? You’re a fucking coward. If you’re so in love with Faye, why don’t you just tell her instead of acting like a slave? She will never invite a man to her bed who grovels at her feet.”

“Believe him, he knows,” I added sarcastically.

Ethan’s lips twitched but he didn’t reply.

“Don’t worry about me and Faye,” replied Godrick. “When I prove your deception, she’s going to need someone to comfort her. Someone much stronger than you.”

“If I’m dead and unable to answer her questions, she’s not going to be too happy. You realize that?” stated Ethan.

“Maybe, but someone needs to cut you out of her life,” he grinned down at his knife again. “And I’m just the guy to do it.”

“Nikki,” whispered Duncan. “Let’s get out of here. This isn’t even our fight. It’s between those two and Faye.”

“I can’t leave Martin,” I said, watching Celeste’s brother quietly pick up the shovel, while Ethan and Godrick continued arguing.

“Seriously, I think they just about have it under control,” Duncan replied.

I watched as Ethan tried dodging Godrick’s knife. It sliced through the air. He did it again and this time it grazed his cheek.

I sucked in my breath. “Uh, you sure about that?”

But then Martin thrust the edge of the shovel into Godrick’s back. He howled in pain and fell to his knees.

“See, under control,” said Duncan. “Let’s at least find something to get these restraints off of me. Then I’ll help these guys out if they still need it.”

“You’re too weak,” I argued, staring at his pale face.

“Yeah, probably. But, I feel like a pussy watching from the sidelines. I really need to get free.”

“Okay.”

There was another loud grunt from Godrick, who was now taking a beating from both Ethan and Martin, as they took turns with the shovel.

“Here it is,” said Duncan, as Martin raised the end of the shovel over his head. “The finale.”

I cringed as he brought the sharp steel edge down onto Godrick’s neck. Blood sprayed everywhere as Martin raised it several more times and finished him off.

“Well, that’s that,” I replied, seeing Godrick’s head roll away. Martin kicked it with his boot. I shuddered and turned away.

“I think the house is empty now. Let’s go find something to get these off,” said Duncan, who was already stepping out of the barn.

“Wait,” I said, scurrying to catch up with him. “Duncan!”

He slowed down and turned to me, his silver eyes holding mine.

Smiling up at him, I threw my arms around his neck and closed my eyes. “I’m so happy you’re okay.”

Duncan let out a deep sigh and kissed the top of my head. “All I thought about was you. I was so worried that she’d already caught and killed you. Jesus, I’ve never seen someone so obsessed with another person.”

“I know,” I replied. “I’m definitely at the top of her hit list.”

“She even transformed herself to look like you earlier.”

I backed away and wrinkled my nose in disgust. “Really? She was impersonating me?”

He smiled. “But, it was obvious that she wasn’t you.”

“He’s right,” said Ethan, walking over to us. He crossed his arms under his chest and gave me one of his movie-star smiles. “Nobody could ever replace you.”

I rolled my eyes and pulled Duncan toward the house. “Let’s get you free before I throw up in my mouth a little more.”

“Nikki,” called Ethan, his voice stern this time. “We need to talk.”

I turned back and smiled coldly. “I don’t think we have anything else to say to each other. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to help Duncan get these restraints off so he can give me a proper greeting. One involving hands, lips, and maybe even a little tongue.”

Duncan grinned and then raced up the stairs to the porch. I turned back around and followed him, irritated that Ethan was still trying to cause problems.

Chapter Thirty-One

Ethan

Ethan watched Nikki follow Duncan into the house. He ached to take her into his arms and fly her someplace quiet where he could make her see the truth. To show her the trueness of the love he had for her in his heart. But, now that she was a Roamer and in love with Duncan, he didn’t see that turning out too well. Especially without any proof of his innocence. Faye had definitely done a number on Nikki, and it was more than obvious that now, she wanted nothing to do with him.

“Got yourself into a bit of a bind with that one, didn’t you?” remarked Martin, wiping the blood from his hands with a towel.

Ethan smiled grimly. “That’s putting it mildly. Nikki and I had something going before Faye fucked it all up. Now, she thinks I’ve deceived her.”

Martin dropped the towel onto the grass. “Did you?”

“No,” he muttered, frustrated. He ran a hand through his hair, which needed a good washing. “I would never hurt Nikki. Ever. I love that girl with everything I have.” He then explained how Faye had captured him in Vegas and how she’d set him up.

“And all of that because Faye is jealous of Nikki?”

“Faye is insanely jealous of her, or anyone that reminds her of my late wife.”

“Obviously you need to tell Nikki what actually transpired.”

He sighed. “She won’t even give me a chance to open my mouth. And believe me, the girl is as stubborn as they come.”

“So what – you’re just going to give up?”

His face darkened. “No. Hell no.”

“Good. Because she deserves to know the truth, no matter the outcome.”

“Yes, she does,” he agreed. “I just need to figure out a way to make her listen.”

“Handcuff her?”

Ethan grinned. “If I did that, I may forget all about talking.”

“Martin laughed. “Oh, to be young again and frisky.”

“I’m not that young.”

Martin grunted. “Physically you are, you bastard.”

“That’s all I have going for me at the moment,” replied Ethan.

“Something tells me that if you don’t talk to her, you’re going to regret it for the rest of your life. I should know.”

“You still haven’t found Emily?” asked Ethan, remembering how Martin had confided in him about a girl who’d haunted his dreams. One who hated him about as much as he loved her.

“No.”

“Sorry, man.”

Martin nodded and looked away. “We’ve got to get moving. I want to find Victor.”

“What’s going on with your sister?”

He shrugged. “She’s fine for right now. I received a text from her about twenty minutes ago.”

“Maybe you’ll luck out and Faye will kill Victor.”

“Something tells me she won’t go that far. She may try to talk him out of it, but like she told me earlier – she isn’t willing to cross him. At least not in front of his face.”

“Well, as far as I’m concerned, we need to kill both of them.”

“I know that you have issues with Faye, and so do the others, but I can’t help you there. My sister would never forgive me.”

“That’s fine. Just don’t stand in our way then.”

Martin smirked. “What you do to her is none of my business.”

“You’re right,” said Ethan. “But I owe her for fucking up my life.” His lips thinned. “Hell, she’s screwed it up so much, I’m not even sure if I can rectify it.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way. And, if I were you, I would never give up on that girl inside. If she’s the one you really want.”

“She is.”

Nikki and Duncan stepped out of the house. He was free from the restraints, but still looked a little dazed.

“So, you ready to head to Vegas?” asked Martin. “To find your mom and help kill Victor?”

“Yes,” replied Nikki. “But Duncan needs to feed. He’s really weak.”

“So am I,” replied Ethan. “I think we should all take care of that before we do anything else.”

Nikki’s eyes flashed angrily. “You are not coming with us, Ethan. We certainly don’t need your help.”

Before he could reply, Martin spoke up. “Actually, Nikki, we could use all the help we can get. I’m sure Victor is heavily armed with both men and weapons.”

“I don’t care, I don’t trust him,” she said, clenching her fists. “Just like before, he could turn on one of us in an instant.”

“No, I would never do that. Nikki, I explained to Duncan what happened… that I’ve been locked away in Faye’s prison for the last month. Tell her, Duncan.”

Duncan’s eyes met his. “To be honest, I don’t know if what you told me is true or not. This could be another game of yours.”

“Yes, and we all know how good you are at playing those,” said Nikki, putting her hands on her hips.

Ethan wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her until she listened. “Nikki, Faye turned herself into me and tricked you. I swear to God, I would never hurt you. You have to believe me.”

The contempt in her eyes cut him to the core. “There is no way that she could have pulled all of that off, Ethan. She didn’t know all about…”

His eyes narrowed. “All about what?”

“I don’t know… everything. Look, it doesn’t matter. You’ll never trick me again. I won’t fall for you lies, so don’t waste your breath.” She then grabbed Duncan’s hand. “We’re going back to the marina to feed. We have a supply of blood in the refrigerator. Martin, you’re welcome to join us before we head off to Vegas.”

“I’d appreciate that. I could use a lift myself, and… we should check on Celeste and Nathan anyway,” he replied.

“Exactly,” she said, and then without another word, she leaped into the sky, along with Duncan, and they disappeared.

Martin shook his head and gave him a wry smile. “You’re right. She’s a stubborn one.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Like I was saying, if you love someone, you need to fight for them. Looks like you’re going to need to pull out all the artillery with this gal.”

“And what if it means hurting someone else?” said Ethan.

“You mean, Duncan?”

“I guess I do.”

“Do you really care if he gets hurt?”

Ethan wanted to say “no”, but instead, he sighed. “In a way, I guess I do. He’s been good to her. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit to feeling a little guilty.”

“Well, I guess then you’re going to have to sort that out for yourself. The important thing, however, is to make sure she knows the truth.”

“But how, if she won’t give me a chance?” he replied, exasperated.

“Find a way.”

“Just find a way, huh?” Ethan laughed humorlessly. “I guess I’ll just have to, won’t I?”

“Yes, you will,” said Martin. “And then, once she believes you, it will be up to her to decide who she wants. Not either of you two.”

I just hope it won’t be too late by then… thought Ethan.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Faye

When Faye arrived at her home in Las Vegas, it was quiet.

Almost too quiet.

She let herself in through the sliding glass door in the back, slipped into the white robe she’d brought along, and went in search of Victor. She found William first.

“Faye,” he replied, looking worried. “I take it you heard?”

She smiled coldly. “Yes. Why do you think I’m here? Where is Victor?”

“He’s in the den. He’s been trying to call you.”

“Really? I haven’t heard from him,” she replied. “So he hasn’t tried hard enough.”

“He’s not alone,” said William as she headed toward the den.

She didn’t bother asking who Victor was with. She was too angry to care.

“Speak of the devil,” said Victor, as she flung open the door and stormed inside.

Faye was about to tell him off when she noticed the figure seated behind her desk.

“Kane,” she said, staring at the good-looking man. In his thirties, he was tall, with dark brown hair and green eyes. As usual, he was impeccably dressed in an Armani suit – this one a dark mocha. She felt a wave of dread slice through her. If there was one person who made her leery, it was him. “Is it really you?”

“In the flesh,” replied her brother. “Well, in this particular flesh.”

She plastered on a smile. So far he was being cordial. “You look good. As always.”

“Yes I do. Nice of you to notice, by the way,” he replied with an arrogant smirk.

“You’re welcome,” she answered, smiling back the same way.

He glanced at Victor, who looked like he was on the verge of having a meltdown, and then turned back at her. “Let’s cut to the chase, Faye. I hear we are having a problem with the Roamers in your neck of the woods?”

“Are we?” she answered. “Because from what I’ve gathered, Victor is the one we’re having a problem with.”

“Bullshit,” snapped Victor. “I don’t think you even know what’s going on.”

“I know that you’ve put a hit on Celeste,” she replied accusingly.

“What is with you and that girl?” said Kane, his face dark.

“We’re friends,” she replied sharply.

Kane snorted. “Friends? Faye, what in the hell is wrong with you? She’s a Roamer. You’re a shape-shifter. She’s beneath even the lycan.”

Victor grunted. “I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Faye ignored him. “Victor promised me that he’d leave her alone. We made a deal.”

“All deals are off,” said Victor, running a hand across his forehead. “Anne is gone and she’s had a miscarriage. As far as I’m concerned, I want all of those vampires in Shore Lake taken out.”

“What do you mean she’s had a miscarriage?” asked Faye, her eyes wide.

“I found a bed sheet in the tub. Obviously, she was trying to wash it out, but I could still smell the blood. She took off, knowing that her life would be in jeopardy. Now, I want them all destroyed. All of them except Nikki.”

“Why her?” said Faye, disgusted that Nikki was always the center of everyone’s agenda.

“Her eggs will hopefully be stronger than her mother’s. Dr. Shepard is going to try impregnating her with lycan sperm. Maybe as early as this evening, if we can catch her alive.” He looked at his phone. “If I could just get Drake to call me back. He’s supposed to be keeping an eye on her.”

Faye sighed. “He won’t be able to. He’s dead.”

Victor scowled. “What do you mean, he’s dead?”

“I killed him. He was screwing you over, Victor. He set up a meeting with Nikki and Nathan when you left town. I heard the conversation.”

“Oh, so, you killed him? Without bothering to consult with me?”

“It had to be done,” she replied. Her face lit up. “Victor, forget about Nikki and forget about Drake. You can use Celeste as the donor.”

He waved his hand. “She’s been a vampire for too many years. Her eggs will have dried up. Nikki is my only chance.”

“Fine. Look, I’ll help you catch her, but I want you to call your dogs off of Celeste.”

Victor tapped his index finger against his chin. “It’s too dangerous. I don’t trust Celeste. In fact, I was told you were entertaining her brother, Martin.”

She forced a smile. “I wasn’t entertaining him. He showed up unexpectedly.”

“I know of Martin,” said Kane, who’d been listening silently. “He’s going to want revenge. He’s probably searching for you right now, Victor.”

“Precisely why we need to kill both him and his sister,” he answered. “Along with the rest of them. Including Nathan and that bitch, Anne. If I don’t get rid of all of them, they’ll just continue causing trouble.”

Faye sighed. “Very well. Kill them all if you really want to. I was planning on leaving Shore Lake for a few weeks anyway. But, I certainly won’t help you with Celeste.”

“You don’t have to,” said Victor, standing up. “Your brother is giving me a lift to Shore Lake and I’m planning on taking care of business myself, with my pack. We are going to rid that little town of those leeches once and for all.”

Faye turned to Kane.  “So, that’s why you’re here?”

He shrugged. “He called and offered half of Club Nightshade if I’d fly him back to Montana immediately.” Kane looked at his watch. “Which reminds me, my pilot should be arriving shortly. We should get to the airport. Victor, round up your guys and we’ll head out.”

“You’re giving up your half of the club just so that you can fly out there now?” said Faye, staring at Victor incredulously.

“If we wait too long, they’ll disappear with Nikki and my plans will be shot. I can’t waste time. You want a lift?” he asked her.

“No,” she replied. She needed to find Celeste quickly, and then meet Ethan back at the club.

“Why are you so uptight about this?” asked Kane when Victor left them alone. “Why do you care so much about the Roamers?”

“They’ve been useful, Kane. More useful than the lycan have ever been.”

“I don’t know about that,” he replied, smirking. “I now own half of your club, because of a lycan.”

“Just don’t murder me to get your hands on the other half,” she answered dryly. She knew that Kane would just as soon kill her than be business partners.

His eyes widened. “My dear Faye… how could you even go there?”

“Don’t play me for a fool, brother,” she said, walking toward the doorway. “I know how you tick, remember?”

He leaned back in the chair and gave her a menacing smile. “As I do you. By the way, say hello to Celeste for me.”

She stood up and walked out, not even bothering to answer. Instead, she left the house and flew back to Shore Lake to meet the man she loved. She just hoped he wouldn’t mind bringing Celeste along on their honeymoon.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Anne

Anne was tired by the time she made it back to Shore Lake. She landed in the woods, near Victor’s cabin, and approached it cautiously. When she stumbled upon the dead body next to the garage, she sucked in her breath.

Drake.

No wonder he wasn’t calling Victor back…

She noticed his head lying several feet away, and shuddered. She had no idea who had killed him, and didn’t believe it was any of Victor’s men. Not when Drake worked for him. She wondered if it was Nikki or Duncan.

Sighing, she turned around, flew up to the balcony, and stepped inside. Glancing wistfully at the bed where her daughter had once slept peacefully before all of the craziness, she went to her old bedroom and removed the bottom drawer from the dresser. Under it, she’d taped an envelope with several one-hundred dollar bills. Money she’d been saving for an emergency. Sighing in relief, she pulled it from the drawer and stuffed it into her jacket. She then did a quick search of the house, not even quite sure what she was looking for. As she was leaving the kitchen, someone rang the doorbell. With her heart beating frantically in her chest, Anne charged up the staircase, back to Nikki’s room, and peered over the edge of the balcony, but couldn’t see anything. When, she heard the voices coming from the other side of the house, she was elated.

“This was a bad idea,” said Nathan sternly. “What if Victor’s guys show back up here?”

“Relax,” answered Celeste. “It’s obvious they aren’t around. Besides, they would have invited you in with open arms now that you’re one of them.”

“Very funny,” he replied dryly.

Anne flew over the balcony and landed next to her son.

“Mom?” gasped Nathan in disbelief.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “Nathan, oh, my God, I’m so happy to see you,” she choked, her eyes full of tears.

He squeezed her back. “This is… I can’t believe it. We’ve been trying to find you. How did you get away from Victor?”

“It wasn’t easy, let me tell you.” She pulled away and looked into his eyes. “Are you okay? Where’s your sister?”

“She’s somewhere with Martin, Celeste’s brother.”

Anne glanced at Celeste and gave her a frigid smile. “Celeste.”

Celeste’s smile was also forced and frosty. “Ah, hello.”

Nathan looked back toward the road leading to the cabin. “Mom, how did you get here? Did anyone follow you?”

“I doubt it,” she replied. She then went over everything that had happened in Vegas, leaving out the part about the miscarriage.

“But, what about the chip?” asked Nathan. “They must know where you are. We need to get moving!”

“Actually, I removed it myself,” she answered, exposing her stomach. She rubbed her index finger over the area she’d dug it out. “Wow, the wound had already healed.”

“You removed it yourself?” he repeated, looking shocked. “I thought you hated deep cuts, with all of the blood and stuff?”

“Obviously I’ve gotten over being squeamish, and in more ways than one,” she answered, dropping her shirt back down.

“Where is Victor?” asked Nathan.

“Probably trying to find a flight back out here.”

“He’s probably alerted all of his lycan buddies. We’ve got to get out of here before they find you,” said Nathan. “My car is parked over on the side. Come on, Celeste.”

Anne followed them quietly to his Mustang.

He opened the door. “Sorry, Celeste, but you’re riding in the back, obviously.”

“Obviously,” she replied, getting inside.

“Um, can I talk to you for a minute, Nathan?” asked Anne.

He glanced at Celeste and then closed the door. “Of course, mom.”

They stepped a few feet away from the car, and Anne hugged him tightly again. “I am just so happy to see you, honey. I don’t want to ever let you go.”

“You’d better loosen up if you want to keep seeing me,” he replied hoarsely.

“Sorry,” she said with a sheepish grin. She released him and stepped back. “I forget how strong these arms are now.”

“No worries. Uh, so, I suppose you’re wondering about Celeste?” he asked, nodding toward the car.

She pushed her bangs to the side and nodded. “Of course I am. I have to say, I’m a little surprised to find you together after everything that’s happened.”

“Me too,” he answered. “But, someone has to babysit her.”

“And why are you babysitting her?”

“Because Martin, her brother, was going to help us rescue you and kill Victor. They needed someone to stay with Celeste.”

“I heard about Martin from Caleb. He’s dangerous too, but nothing like her.”

“He seemed pretty reasonable. He definitely wants to avenge his dad’s death.”

She sighed. “Well, to be honest, I think you, Nikki, and I should just forget about Victor and leave this town. Tonight.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Forget about Victor? How can you say that? We need to take him out.”

She rubbed her forehead. “I’m just so tired of all of the violence and the death. And I certainly don’t want to risk your lives anymore. Facing him again would be doing just that. Nathan, we just need to get as far away from him as possible, and start a new life.”

“He’s going to keep searching the globe until he finds you, mom. Especially because of that baby. He seemed pretty obsessed with creating his own little army of jacked-up lycan.”

She touched her stomach and smiled sadly. “About that… there is no baby. Not anymore.”

His face fell. “What happened?”

“I lost it. Tonight. It’s why I left. If he would have found out, he’d have killed me.”

He hugged her. “I’m sorry, mom. I’m sure you wanted Caleb’s baby more than anything, now that he’s gone.”

She blinked away the tears. “I did, but… I will always have you and Nikki. You’re my life and mean the world to me.” She pulled back and looked into his eyes. “And that’s why we need to disappear. As soon as we find your sister.”

“It might not be that easy. She’s won’t leave without Duncan, and right now, he’s being held captive by this shape-shifter named Faye.”

Her eyes widened. “Faye Dunbar?”

“Yeah. We thought that crazy bitch was dead, but she somehow survived, and is still causing a lot of problems. She’s the one who killed Drake. Did you see his headless body?”

She looked back toward the garage. “Yes. So, Nikki is trying to rescue Duncan at the moment?”

“Nikki and Martin. He’s helping her.”

She bit her lower lip nervously. “We need to go to them. I need to go to them. Do you know where they are?”

He snorted. “Not really. They’re in North Dakota somewhere. Look, let’s just go back to Duncan’s house. Like an idiot, I left my cell phone back on the charger there. We can call her and tell her the good news.”

“Okay,” she replied and looked back over to the car. “Are you sure we can trust Celeste?”

“No, but I can handle her.”

“Right,” she answered dryly.

“No, seriously, mom. Uh, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“What?”

He ran a hand through his dark hair and laughed nervously. “I don’t know how to even say this…”

“You’re a lycan now.”

His eyes widened. “How did you know?”

“They have a distinct scent. When I was hugging you, I thought that maybe it was just my clothes that I smelled. Living with a house full of them for the last few weeks, their scent gets everywhere.” Her eyes bore into his. “Are you certain that you’re really one of them?”

“Mom,” he said, grabbing her hand. “Don’t say it like that. Look, as far as I’m concerned, I’m not one of them. I’m still one of you. I’m your son and Nikki’s remarkably handsome brother. I’m just a little hairier and probably a lot more scarier.”

She smirked. “You’re certainly handling this very well.”

He shrugged. “I’ve had to adapt to you and Nikki being vampires. I’m getting used to this shit-storm that’s invaded our lives.”

“But, this… this is your body, we’re talking about. Your life,” she replied, searching his eyes. “Are you really okay?”

“I am now. Ask me in a couple of days when the shock has worn off.”

She touched his cheek lovingly. “I love you, Nathan. No matter what has happened or will happen, nothing will ever change my feelings for you. I hope you realize that.”

“Of course I do, mom. I love you, too.”

She gave him one last hug, and then they walked back to the Mustang.

“Everything okay?” asked Celeste, as Nathan started the engine.

Anne turned around and looked at her. “Everything is good. How have you been holding up?”

Her eyes widened. “Me?”

Anne smiled sadly. “Celeste, believe it or not, I understand your feelings toward me, although, I would have dealt with them differently.”

Celeste looked down at her hands but didn’t reply.

“You know, I never wanted to take your father away from you. He loved you so much. He always talked about you.”

Her eyes sparkled. “He did?”

“Yes. You were the light of his life. His little girl.”

She smiled. “He used to tell me that all the time. That he was happy that I would never age, so I could always be his little girl.” She chuckled. “Even though I look closer to twenty-one.”

“Yes, but he thought you were the most beautiful girl in the world, Celeste. He loved you as much as you loved him. Nothing would have ever come between you. I wish you could have understood that.”

Celeste looked out the window. “My dad was everything to me.”

“I know that,” said Anne. “And, I’m sorry. I’m sorry that he’s gone and that I’m sorry for all of the pain you’ve been feeling. And… I want to ask you for something.”

Their eyes met.

“Ask me for what?”

Anne reached into the backseat and patted her hand. “I want to ask for your forgiveness.”

Celeste’s eyes widened. “You want to ask me for my forgiveness? Why?”

“Because I should have tried harder with you. I should have tried communicating with you better. Made you realize that I wanted you in my family and not just your father. But, I just took the situation for granted. I was so caught up in the excitement, that I didn’t realize you were hurting so much. I’m so sorry, honey.”

Celeste looked away.  “You shouldn’t be sorry. I’ve done so many terrible things. You have no idea.”

“You’ve had so many terrible things happen to you, Celeste. Look at this life you’ve had to live. It’s not your fault that you were thrown into it. I’m sure it didn’t come with a handbook.”

“Maybe not, but I’ve killed a lot of people,” she answered, her voice somber. “The bloodlust… I guess it just makes me crazy.”

“Experiencing the euphoria it gives, I can understand that it must be hard to control at times.”

Celeste nodded.

“Well, I just want you to know that you’re not alone. If you need to talk. About anything, I’d love it if you’d come to me, Celeste. I really would.”

“Thanks,” she replied softly.

They drove in silence the rest of the way to Duncan’s house. When they arrived, Celeste walked in but Nathan and Anne hung back.

“Mom, about what you said in the car? Did you mean what you said? About helping her sort out shit?”

“I did,” she said softly. “But, in all honesty, I kind of hope she doesn’t take me up on it. I’m not equipped to help a girl like that. I might actually make matters worse.”

His eyes widened. “Why do you say that?”

She sighed. “Because of what Caleb told me.”

“What did he say?”

She glanced toward the house, a faraway expression in her eyes. “He told me that she’s missing something very important. Something most of us have.”

He smirked. “What’s that, a conscience?”

Anne smiled back. “Yes, that and empathy for others. She’s… I guess there is really no other way to put it… she’s a psychopath, Nathan. Pure and simple.”

His eyes widened. “That’s pretty harsh, isn’t it?”

She gave him an exasperated look. “Harsh? Nathan, she tried to kill both of us.”

“I know. I just figured… I don’t know... that she was misguided.”

“It’s more complicated than that. Her father explained that she was diagnosed with some kind of narcissistic condition when she was a child. It became much worse after she changed into a vampire.” Her face darkened. “You wouldn’t believe some of the things she’s done, Nathan. I had to make Caleb stop himself from confiding so much.”

“That bad, huh?”

“Much worse. Anyway, just don’t let your guard down around her. I don’t care if you’re a lycan or a vampire or a superhero. You need to be extremely cautious around her.”

“I will.”

“Good,” she replied, opening the door to Duncan’s house. When they walked inside, Celeste was holding Nathan’s phone.

“I’ll take that,” he said.

“Please would be nice,” said Celeste, her eyes narrowing.

“Please and thank you,” he answered, as she dropped it into his hand.

Celeste looked at Anne. “I bet you can’t wait to see Nikki?”

“You have no idea. I just hope they’re okay.”

“Martin is with her,” she replied. She yawned and pushed her hair behind her ears. “I’m going to lie down for a while. It’s been a few days since I’ve slept and it’s catching up with me.”

“Okay,” said Anne, smiling. “We’ll wake you when they get back.”

“Thanks,” she replied, disappearing down the hallway.

“There,” said Nathan, putting his phone down on the counter. “I sent Nikki a text.”

“Good. I hope everything is all right,” said Anne, her forehead wrinkling. “That Faye sounds like a real monster. I wish we knew exactly where they were so we could join them. Maybe you should ask?”

“I probably should,” he replied.

Nathan’s phone began to vibrate. He picked it up and smiled at the screen. “Good news. They’ve got Duncan. They’re next door at the marina.”

Anne grinned widely. “Are you serious?”

“Yeah,” he replied, pulling her arm. “Let’s go.”

“You’d better tell Celeste.”

“That’s right,” he replied, walking toward the back of the house.

“I’ll meet you over there,” said Anne, opening the kitchen door. She stepped outside.

“Mom!” called Nikki, rushing toward her. She threw herself into Anne’s arms. “You’re here! How did you pull that off?”

“I flew,” she replied, hugging her daughter. “I’m so glad you’re safe. Nathan said you were on some mission to save Duncan. Oh, and speak of the handsome devil.”

Duncan, who was now standing next to them, smiled. “Hello, Mrs. Gerard.”

Anne stepped away from Nikki and hugged him. “It’s Anne. You’re practically family, Duncan.”

Just then, Nathan rushed out of the house. “She’s gone.”

“Who?” asked Anne, turning back. “Celeste?”

He nodded. “She slipped out the back.”

“Crap. Where would she go?” asked Nikki.

A man Anne didn’t recognize appeared in the darkness. “Celeste left?”

“Yeah, Marty. You have any idea of where she would have gone?” asked Nathan.

He frowned. “It’s Martin. Maybe she left to find Faye?”

“For her sake, let’s hope not,” said Duncan.

Martin ran a hand through his hair and looked around. “What about Ethan? Where is he now?”

Nikki scowled. “Maybe Celeste and Ethan took off together. They’ve teamed up before.”

“Ethan is alive?” asked Nathan. “Where did you run into that prick?”

“He was being held prisoner. With me,” said Duncan.

“So, you freed him?” said Nathan incredulously.

“No. Faye did,” replied Duncan.

“Of course she did,” replied Nathan. “Didn’t they have something going before?”

“Obviously they still do,” I replied.

“What do we do now?” asked Nathan. “Search for Celeste?”

“Look, I think we should just leave this town and never look back,” said Anne. “Nikki? Nathan? What do you think?”

“Martin saved my life and helped free Duncan,” said Nikki. “I’m not going to abandon him now.”

“Thank you,” said Martin, relaxing.

Anne rubbed her forehead.

“He wants to stop Victor once and for all,” said Nikki. “He wants revenge for him killing Caleb. Don’t you want that, too, mom?”

“All I want is to keep my children safe,” said Anne, smiling sadly.

“None of us will ever be safe if we don’t stop him. You of all people should know that,” said Nathan.

“Look, I’m going to kill him, whether you want to help or not,” said Martin. “I hope you will, but I’m not going to pressure you or anyone else into it.”

Anne let out a ragged sigh. “We’ll help you, Martin.”

“What about Celeste?” asked Nathan.

“Let’s go find her and then deal with Victor,” said Martin. “I need to know that she’s safe before we do anything.”

Chapter Thirty-Four

Ethan

Ethan, who’d been hanging out in the shadows by Duncan’s marina, followed Celeste through the darkness, having an idea of where she might be headed. He’d seen her sneaking out the back of the house, and his gut had told him that she was up to no good. He trusted her about as much as he trusted Faye.

It didn’t take long before his suspicions were confirmed. She landed on the rooftop of Club Nightshade, and entered through the sliding glass doorway leading into Faye’s penthouse. He followed her inside.

“Ethan. Yeah, I had a feeling it was you,” she said, flicking on the light. “Why are you following me?”

“To make sure you don’t cause any more trouble.”

Her eyes widened. “Trouble?”

“Don’t give me that. What are you doing back here anyway? I’m sure Martin is worried about you.”

Celeste’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know about Martin?”

“Long story. All I know is that you’re supposed to be at Duncan’s right now. Not here.”

“I just had to get out of there. Nathan’s mom showed up and I thought Faye should know that she isn’t being held prisoner anymore,” she replied, plopping into a chaise. “She should be back soon.”

“I know,” he replied. “In fact, I know about everything.”

“You do? Good for you. Where have you been, by the way?” She smirked. “I thought Drake had finished you off a couple of weeks ago.”

He frowned. “Finished me off? What are you talking about?”

“Give me a break. Remember when Victor told him to kill you.”

“He did, huh?”

“Obviously he hit you over the head,” she said, smirking. “Well, you’ll be happy to learn that Faye took care of Drake for you. Ripped his head clean off. I just saw the aftermath. Pretty gnarly.”

Ethan stared at her in horror. “What are you talking about? Drake is seriously dead?”

“Yes.” She shook her head in disgust. “Why do you look so upset? You, of all people, should be celebrating.”

He clenched his jaw. Drake had been the closest thing to a best friend he’d ever had. “Faye killed Drake?”

She sighed irritably. “Yeah… I just said that.” She picked out a piece of lint from between her painted black toenails, and then stretched her legs. “Look, you can give her a big kiss when she gets back here. Although, she’s probably still pissed that you tried killing her. On second thought, maybe you should actually leave, Ethan. I would like some peace and quiet.”

“Celeste, I’m not messing around here. You need to get back to your brother. Victor has ordered a hit on you and you’re going to need Martin’s help.”

“He has?” She snorted. “To be honest, I feel much safer here. Faye’s been protecting me. And why in the hell did you try killing her? Was it because of that little bitch, Nikki?”

“Don’t call her a bitch,” he growled.

She rolled her eyes. “You are seriously still crushing on her? I thought you two were over. Remember Vegas? She has it bad for Duncan anyway.”

“Celeste, look, there are things going on here that you apparently don’t even know about. You have to leave here. It isn’t safe.”

“Like I said before, I’m staying. I’m safe with Faye.”

“She isn’t even here,” he answered, raising his arms. “You need to get the hell out of this place before Victor’s guys get here. They obviously know that she’s hiding you. Where do you think they’re going to look first?”

“Ethan, why do you even care what happens to me?” she asked, tilting her head.

“To be honest, I really don’t. But… I like your brother.”

“Then tell him I’m fine and not to worry about me.”

He sighed and then turned to leave. “Fine. I tried.”

“Ethan, by the way – pick a side already. You’re either with me and Faye, or you’re alone.”

“I’m not alone,” he answered quietly.

Her eyebrow arched and she smirked. “Really?”

He gritted his teeth and left in silence.

***

Ethan flew back toward the marina, determined to talk to Nikki. He had a feeling that things were going to get even uglier in the next few hours and he needed to try and explain what had happened in Vegas. It was obvious that Duncan wasn’t going to take his side, and in all reality, he couldn’t really blame the guy. He obviously loved Nikki, too.

When he reached the marina, he overheard voices in the darkness.

Duncan and Nikki.

They were moving away from the house toward the building next door, holding hands. He landed several feet behind them and watched as they continued walking away.

Nikki giggled. “Let’s go sit on the bench by the dock. We can talk about it there.”

“Okay,” replied Duncan. He kissed her knuckles. “Or, we can do something a little more… interesting.”

Her answer was a whisper, followed by more laughter. Ethan felt his stomach tighten up, wishing it was him getting that reaction from her. He thought about interrupting whatever kind of interlude they were planning, but then something told him that it would just make matters worse.

The couple moved toward the dock and Ethan swore under his breath. He knew he should go into the house and tell Martin where Celeste was, but the jealously boiling inside was getting the best of him. He didn’t want to be a peeping Tom, but Duncan was with his girl. No matter what had happened during the time he’d been imprisoned, he just couldn’t give her up that easily. But, he also knew that he owed something to Duncan, who had kept her safe when Ethan had failed. Because of his obsession with Miranda, he’d not only risked all of their lives, but he’s also risked any kind of future he and Nikki had together.

He clenched his fists at his sides as he continued arguing with himself. Finally, he grunted and moved in the direction that they’d disappeared to.

“Duncan,” said Nikki as they continued holding hands, swinging them together. “I was so… worried about you. I don’t know what I would have done if…” her voice broke. “I can’t even say the words...”

“Hey, I’m not that easy to kill. All I kept thinking about is you and our future. In fact,” he cleared his throat and turned to her. “I have something that I want to ask you.”

She stared up at him silently.

He blew out a nervous breath.

She smiled shyly. “You… are you going to ask me what I think you’re going to ask me?”

Ethan stared at the couple in horror. He wanted to stop Duncan, but he couldn’t seem find his voice, he was so stunned.

“Marry me, Nikki. Please… I love you so much. I just can’t imagine living the rest of my life without you. And I think it’s going to be a long one.”

Nikki squealed and jumped onto Duncan’s hips, wrapping her legs around them. “Yes! Yes! Yes! Of course I will!”

Duncan kissed her lips several times, and then held her against him, hugging her tightly. “I don’t have a ring yet, obviously. But, I didn’t want to wait a minute longer to ask you. God, I love you so much.”

“I love you, too, Duncan,” she answered, closing her eyes.

Ethan backed away, the pain in his heart making him sick to his stomach.

He’d lost her…

He’d lost her for good…

The craziest part was that he was fairly convinced that the better man had gotten the girl.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Nikki

When Duncan had asked me to marry him, I was thrilled. It made me feel almost human again, and thoughts of planning my wedding and picking out a dress made me giddy. But then an image of Ethan’s face popped into my head, and I felt myself almost waver. That is, until I remembered what a backstabbing loser he was. The guy had broken my heart and had the gall to try and pretend that it wasn’t his fault. No, he certainly wasn’t anyone worth hesitating for.

“Should we tell your mom and brother?” said Duncan, still holding me.

“Uh, sure. If you’d like. Or, we could wait until all of this is over. It might be better, actually.”

“That’s fine,” he answered, kissing me again. “I’m just happy that you said yes.”

I closed my eyes and our kiss deepened. Sighing in pleasure, I slid my fingers into the back of his hair and blocked out everything, enjoying the way his body felt pressed against mine, and the feel of his hands cupping my buns. I wanted to drag him to one of the boats and have my way with him, but in the back of my mind, I knew it was probably too dangerous. So, instead, we made out on the dock for a while until someone cleared their throat.

“Should I get a hose?”

We both turned to find Nathan staring at us, his hands in his pockets.

Duncan, who’d been holding me the entire time, put me down.

“Nice timing as usual,” I said, smiling coolly.

He grinned. “Hey, I’m sorry to interrupt your little moment, but Martin said to come and find you.”

“Are we leaving now? For Vegas?”

“I think the plans have changed,” he replied, turning around.

Duncan and I exchanged looks and then followed him into the house. Martin, mom, and Ethan were standing in the kitchen, their faces grim.

“Great,” I said, rolling my eyes at Ethan, who looked like he’d just gotten out of the shower. He was now clean and wearing one of Nathan’s concert T-shirts and faded blue jeans. “What is he doing here?”

“He’s going to help us,” said Martin. “Which is good, because I’ve just gotten word that Victor is on his way back to Shore Lake with several of his lycan. Apparently, to rid this town of Roamers.”

“Is that right?” I answered. I folded my arms across my chest. “He’s pretty damn sure of himself.”

“Don’t overestimate him, honey,” said my mother, looking tired. “He’s got an entire group of killers working for him. All werewolves.”

“You mean lycan?” said Nathan.

She grunted. “Yes, Nathan. Lycan. Anyway, standing against them is going to be very difficult.”

“Who told you he was heading back here?” asked Duncan, scratching his head.

“Celeste just called my cell phone,” said Martin. “Faye returned to Club Nightshade and told her about it.”

“Great. Celeste ran back to her, huh?” I muttered. “Then, I guess Faye knows everything.”

“Who cares?” said Nathan. “Everyone is free and we can pool our strength together. Victor and those guys won’t have a chance. Shit, we should be celebrating already.”

“I’m telling you – it won’t be that easy,” said Anne, shaking her head.

I sighed. “I don’t know… maybe we should just get out of town and go after Victor later. When he’s not expecting it.”

“Nikki, Celeste mentioned that Victor is looking for you specifically. He wants you to breed the lycan babies,” said Martin.

My eyes widened. “What?”

“Yes,” replied Martin. “So, he isn’t going to stop searching for you. Look, he has contacts all over the United States and moves around frequently. He’ll find you before we ever find him. We need to take him out. Now.”

“I agree,” said Ethan. “Think about it – he probably doesn’t know that we know he’s coming, either. So, we head back to his cabin and wait. When they show up, we pick them off, one-by-one. They may be strong, but so are we. And, we’re a lot faster.”

“We?” I snapped. “Why in the world are you helping us now? I just don’t get it.”

“I’ve never stopped helping you, Nikki,” he replied, pinning me with his icy stare. “And I never will.”

Something about the way he looked at me still managed to give me goose-bumps. The fact that Ethan still had any effect on me at all was aggravating. “Well, whatever,” I mumbled, breaking away from his gaze. I looked over at Duncan, who was glaring at Ethan, and took his hand.

Duncan pulled me closer and I noticed Ethan’s jaw set.

“He’s absolutely right,” agreed Martin. “Let’s get over there now before they arrive and wait for them.”

“Are you sure about this?” asked Anne, looking frightened. “I mean, I have to tell you, I don’t like the idea of putting my children in any more danger than I have to.”

“Mom,” said Nathan. “We aren’t children anymore and this isn’t going to go away. Victor isn’t going to stop searching for us and I’m not interested in running. We do this now.”

She sighed and looked at me.

“I’m in agreement,” I said, letting out a ragged sigh. “I’m tired of running from him, too.”

As the words left my lips, I thought about the irony. We’d been running from Victor when we thought he was just an asshole. Now, we knew he was a real monster and had decided to stand our ground, this time running toward him.

She nodded and then smiled grimly. “You’re right. I need to stop running, too. So, let’s do this.”

“One thing,” said Nathan, turning to Ethan. He pointed at him. “You fuck this up in any way…. you turn against us, or try flying off with my sister, I’ll hunt you down and kill you myself. I mean it, so keep that in the back of your mind. Better yet, keep it in the front.”

“If I don’t kill him first,” said Duncan.

“I’m on your side,” said Ethan, looking at me again. “You have my word.”

“Yeah, and we all know how righteous that is, don’t we?” replied Nathan, sneering.

Ethan looked at Martin. “You have my word, Martin.”

“That’s good enough for me,” he answered.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Nikki

It was almost four a.m. when the lights appeared in the distance. There were three vehicles, all SUVs, and they were moving quickly through the fresh, powdery snow.

“Mom, are you okay?” I whispered. We both had changed into black clothing and were nestled high up in the trees, near the garage.

“To be honest, I feel like I just peed myself,” she whispered back, her teeth chattering slightly.

I shook my head, grinning. “You need to stop or it will turn to ice in this weather.” I was also joking, but the temperature outside had dropped considerably.

She snorted.

“Are you seriously cold or something?” I asked, looking toward the rooftop of the cabin, where I knew Ethan and Duncan were waiting.

“No. Why?”

“I heard your teeth chattering.”

“I was clicking my teeth. I do that when I’m nervous.”

“You never used to do that,” I replied.

“I never had to deal with vampires or werewolves, excuse me, lycan before.”

“Which reminds me, I hope Nathan is going to be okay.”

Nathan had snuck into the cabin with Martin thirty minutes earlier to douse the place with gasoline. The plan was to trap the lycan inside, and then light them up.  To me, it seemed way too easy. In real life, things were never like that.

“I hope so, too,” replied my mother, staring at the cabin nervously. “Did he bring that gun he was talking about?”

“Yes. He brought it. Along with the silver bullets.”

“Sometimes I think he’s having too much fun with all of this. Like it’s a game or something.”

I frowned. “I know. I just hope he remembers that if he dies, he won’t get another life.”

“You both deal with things so differently,” she answered. “I still have a hard time believing that you’re twins sometimes.”

“Which reminds me – who was our real father?”

“Nikki, we’ll talk about it later. Now is obviously not the time.”

The headlights grew closer. “But, if something happens to us, I’d really like to know, you know?”

“Quit talking like that,” she snapped, looking horrified.

“Yeah, Nikki. Quit talking like that,” echoed Faye’s voice in the darkness.

I sucked in my breath and quickly looked around the trees.

“Who was that?” whispered mom, her eyes wide.

“Faye,” I mouthed, my stomach clenching in fear.

She looked up into the sky. “There,” pointed my mother.

A shadow dipped down and then passed between us.

Yep.

Faye.

She came around again, but this time grabbed me roughly by the neck and shoved me out of the tree. Fortunately, with my new agility, I landed on my feet. I quickly looked up, to see if my mother was okay.

“Look out,” gasped mom, pointing behind me.

I turned around to find Faye there. Her lips curled up into a sneer.

“I think you have something that is mine,” she said in her demonic gargoyle voice.

“I don’t think so,” I growled back at her. I was seriously tired of her bullshit and just wanted to kick her ass at that point. I just wasn’t sure if I was strong enough.

“Get away from my daughter,” demanded mom, landing next to us.

Faye backhanded my mother with such force that she flew backwards and hit a tree. She then turned to me, her eyes glittering with amusement. “She’s about as useless as you.”

Glaring at her, I pulled back my fist and punched her in the cheek, making her grunt. As I was about to hit her again, she grabbed my fist and squeezed it painfully.

“I don’t think so,” she said, repeating my words.

I looked over her shoulder just as my mother flew back toward us, her hands stretched out in front of her. She grabbed Faye by the throat. “I said, leave my daughter alone!” she snarled.

Enraged, Faye released me and clawed my mother’s hands with her sharp talons, trying to get her to release her.

Mom cried out in pain. She looked at me, her skin and knuckles bleeding as she tried to maintain her grasp around Faye’s neck. “Get out of here, Nikki.”

“No,” I replied, punching Faye in the abdomen.

Faye glared at me. “I’ll kill you,” she said hoarsely and then elbowed my mother in the stomach.

Mom grunted and released Faye, who lunged at me. We fell to the ground and she grabbed my hair, pulling it cruelly.

“Say goodbye, you little bitch,” she growled, her claws raised.

Ethan landed next to us and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her away from me and put her in a choke hold.

“Get out of here,” he ordered, motioning to me and my mother. “I’ll handle her.”

“I’m sure you will,” I snapped. “You’re probably the one who called her here.”

He clenched his jaw. “No, I did not. Now, get the hell out of here. The lycan are coming.”

It was then that I heard the crunch of snow. I turned around, and indeed, saw them headed in our direction. Ten or so of the ferocious beasts headed directly for us.

“Mom, come on!” I hollered.

She followed me back up into the sky and we circled the cabin.

“Where is Nathan?” she cried.

“I don’t know,” I answered.

Martin met us in the air. He motioned for us to follow him. We landed in the snow, on the opposite side of the house.

“What in the hell happened?” he snapped.

“It was Faye,” I answered.

He scowled. “So much for a surprise attack. Was Celeste with her?”

“Not that we saw. Have you seen Nathan or Duncan?” I said.

“I left Nathan by the boathouse,” he replied. “I don’t know about Duncan.”

Mom flew into the sky and headed toward the dock.

“Martin,” whispered Celeste, from the roof.

He stared up at her. “What are you doing here? I told you to stay at Faye’s.”

“She left and I followed her here,” she replied.

Before he could respond, two massive lycan turned the corner of the house and began rushing toward us. Duncan fell from the sky, landing on the one closest to me. They tumbled together into the snow, the lycan roaring in protest.

Martin rushed the second one and began beating its muzzle with his fists while I stared in shock, wondering if I should help or go after another one. Celeste reacted much more quickly than I did. She landed next to me and rushed toward her brother. She opened her mouth and sunk her teeth into the back of the lycan’s neck while Martin held it still.

I heard a yelp and looked back at Duncan, who was raising himself from the second lycan, which was now motionless.

“Is he dead?” I asked.

“I don’t think so. I broke his neck but something tells me he’ll be recovering soon.”

“Then, shouldn’t we kill it?”

Someone screamed in the distance.

My mother.

Duncan and I flew toward the boathouse. When we arrived, Victor had a gun to my mother’s head and Nathan was on all fours, growling at him in his lycan form. Three other lycan quickly arrived and surrounded us.

“Uh, I take it that one is Nathan?” asked Duncan, pointing to my brother.

“Yes,” I replied. I cleared my throat and turned to Victor. “Victor, please, let mom go.”

He smirked. “Certainly. If you leave here with me calmly. I’ll let them all go.”

“Everyone?”

“Of course.”

“I don’t believe you,” I replied.

“Believe this – I’ll kill your mother and every last one of your friends if you don’t do what I say.”

Ethan landed next to us. He was breathing heavily and the front of his shirt was soaked with blood. “Don’t go with him, Nikki,” he said. “He plans on trying to kill everyone anyway.”

“I’m warning you. If you don’t follow my orders, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life,” growled Victor.

“Follow this,” I replied, turning both of my middle fingers up in the air.

I could tell from my mother’s expression that she was wondering if I’d lost my mind. Maybe I had.

“That’s pathetic and very immature, Nicole. I’m beginning to think that I’m better off with a different egg donor.” He sighed and scratched his head. “Yes, I believe I’m done with all of you Roamers, including Nikki. I’ll just search for someone else. Someone who will be willing to cooperate and I won’t have to keep chasing all over the nation.”

“I’d love to see that ad on Craigslist,” I answered dryly.

He pointed the gun at me. “You know, I should shoot you first, since everyone seems to fancy you. Frankly, I’m sick of listening to your mouth.”

I snorted. “Oh… you’re going to shoot me? I thought you were supposed to be some kind of bad-assed alpha lycan? I guess if you have to use a gun, then you’re really not as powerful as your pack believes.”

Victor’s face turned red with rage. “I don’t need a weapon to kill anyone. It’s just faster.”

“Right,” I replied. I turned and looked at the other lycan, every one of them now surrounding us. “You really have this guy as your leader? Someone with a medicine chest full of Cialis and Metamucil?”

Ethan shook his head and grinned.

“Shut up, you lying little bitch,” growled Victor.

But, I kept going. If he didn’t drop the gun, I knew that my mom’s brains would soon be splattered all over the snow. I wanted his anger centered on me. Make him so angry that he’d begin making mistakes, or his arrogance would override logic.

“You’re pathetic. In fact, I’ll bet that even our mother could kick your ass and you’d need a gun to stop her,” I hollered.

He grunted loudly and dropped the gun. “I’m going to show you what I can and can’t do first, Nikki. Prepare to die most unpleasantly.” He then released my mother and turned into his lycan form.

“Oh my God,” gasped mom, backing away.

I could understand her shock. Victor was bigger than all of the other lycan, and his teeth were so massive that his muzzle barely covered them. He was exactly what nightmares were made of.

Victor’s eyes glowed as he howled, obviously proud of his transformation. Then, he lunged toward me.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Nikki

I should have leaped into the sky, but my feet seemed to be glued to the snow. Duncan reacted, however. He threw himself between us and I watched in horror as Victor took him down to the snow, and they began rolling around. Then, before I could do anything, the rest of the lycan began to attack.

“Nikki!” yelled my mother, leaping into the air.

One of the beasts jumped onto my back and I cried out as its teeth pierced the back of my shoulder. I tried shaking it off, but it wouldn’t let go, only biting me further.

Ethan rushed over and grabbed its muzzle, making it release me. Holding both sides, he broke its jaws by tearing it completely apart. The beast cried out in horrendous pain and then it fell forward to the ground. Not quite finished, Ethan rose up into the air and then flew back down, stomping on its head.

Gagging, I turned around and noticed Victor and Duncan. His jaws were wrapped around Duncan’s forearm, impaling him with his large jagged teeth.

“No!” My eyes filled with tears. “Duncan,” I screamed, moving toward them.

Duncan was already a mess. His cheeks were gouged and there was blood all over his face and neck from Victor’s razor-sharp claws. “Stay away,” he yelled, trying to free his arm. “That’s an order!”

I frantically looked around for help, but everyone seemed to be having their own issues – Nathan was trying to hold his own against another lycan, Martin was squaring off with another large one, and Ethan was being cornered by two. Celeste and my mother, however, were nowhere in sight.

Frightened and frustrated, I ignored Duncan’s orders and jumped on top of Victor. I tried digging my fingers into his eyes, but he roared and jumped off of Duncan, shaking me off of his back.

I landed in the snow and Victor stared at me with an evil glee. He moved toward me, but Duncan, who was limping, attacked him again, foiling Victor’s attempt on me. They rolled back into the snow and Victor roared in anger.

I jumped up and rushed to help, but another lycan slammed into me, knocking me over. I jumped back up to my feet as it tried biting me with its fangs. Screaming at it, I grabbed its snout, like Ethan had, and began pulling it apart with my fingers. As I did, something caught the corner of my eye. I turned and noticed that Ethan was on top of Victor, pounding his fists into his muzzle.

Where was Duncan?

My heart stopped and all of the blood rushed to my head as I twisted around, catching sight of him.

“Duncan?” I whispered hoarsely.

He was alone and lying face-down. The snow around him was red.

I couldn’t breathe and my eyes filled with tears. Time seemed to stand still, as I stood up, ignoring everything else happening around me. I walked over to Duncan, kneeled down, and carefully turned him over, my hands trembling.

When I saw the gaping cavity in the center of his chest, and his beautiful, lifeless eyes, staring back at me, I threw my head back and screamed.

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Nikki

My mother appeared at my side, kneeling next to us. “Oh, no,” she whispered, touching his cheek. “Not him…”

Tears streamed down my cheeks as I fought to catch my breath. “He’ll be okay,” I insisted, wiping them with the back of my hand. “I’ve seen worse.”

She looked at me, her face pinched. “But –”

Victor yelped as Ethan slammed him against a tree. I watched as he grabbed Victor by the throat and prepared to impale him with his fangs. Two other lycan attacked from behind, however, and Ethan was knocked sideways and into the snow.

“I need to kill Victor,” I said, my voice hollow. Instead, of moving, however, I looked down at Duncan and closed his eyelids with my fingers. “Sleep, Duncan. You’ll be better soon.”

“Nikki,” said my mother, as she watched Martin tear out another lycan’s throat. “We have to go. We have to find Nathan. He took off after one of those things a little while ago, and we need to make sure he’s okay.”

I clutched onto Duncan, holding his head on my lap. “I can’t, mom. I’m not leaving him,” I said, sobbing. “We… we have to find his heart.”

She touched my head. “I think it’s gone, honey.”

“No,” I protested loudly. “Victor took it! If we put it back, he might live.”

She stood up but didn’t say anything. I don’t think she knew what to say.

I heard a howl and saw that Celeste had joined Martin and Ethan. They were now circling the last lycan still standing – Victor.

Mom searched through the woods and bit her lower lip. “I’m going to go and look for Nathan. Make sure he’s okay. Stay here.”

I watched her leap into the sky and then turned back toward Victor, hoping that they’d just rip his throat out already. I needed the others to help me find Duncan’s heart.

“Ethan,” said Martin, glaring at Victor. “Celeste and I will take care of this piece of shit. Go help Anne find Nathan.”

“You sure?” he asked.

“Yes,” replied Celeste, hissing at Victor. “We’re going to make him pay for what he did to our father.”

Ethan walked over to me and knelt down. “Are you okay?”

I forced a smile. “He’s going to be okay, right?”

Ethan’s face was grim. “Nikki, Victor tore out his heart.”

I licked my lips. “I know. But, if we put it back in, he’ll be fine. He’ll mend. Right? Like you did?”

He touched my cheek. “Nikki,” he whispered, his eyes filling with tears. “Victor… he… he ate it. The bastard ate Duncan’s heart. I’m so... so sorry.”

I stared at him in horror. “What?”

He nodded.

I looked over at Victor in stunned silence. Although he was still in his lycan form, his lips pulled back into a garish smile.

He was gloating! The asshole had ripped out Duncan’s heart, and mine as well.

Shaking with rage, I laid Duncan’s head onto the snow, stood up, and walked over to the tree where they had Victor cornered. Before anyone had a chance to react, I thrust my fist into Victor’s chest with every ounce of strength that I could muster, and returned the favor. Only, he disgusted me so much that I didn’t put my lips anywhere near his heart. Instead, I crushed it with both of my hands, and dropped it at his feet.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Nikki

Celeste, Martin, Ethan, and I went in search of my mom and brother. We split up and scoured the woods, but couldn’t find a trace of them.

“They couldn’t have just disappeared,” I said when we returned to the cabin, thirty minutes later.

“You said that Anne thought he’d gone after another lycan?” asked Martin. “I don’t think we’re missing any of them.”

Eleven bodies, including Victor’s. All of them, except Duncan, had died as lycan, and then changed back into their human forms after a short time. We’d slaughtered them but to me, I felt like we’d lost the battle, now that Duncan was dead. Plus, it didn’t help that my mom and brother were missing.

“There were probably more of them watching in the woods,” said Ethan, dragging two more dead bodies toward the house. The plan was still to burn the cabin with all of the dead lycan inside.

“I’m sure they’re fine,” said Celeste. “I mean, we didn’t find anything. Maybe they came back here, and then when we were looking for them, they went back into town?”

“Nathan’s car is still hidden in the woods,” I said. “I know he wouldn’t have left without it.”

Ethan walked back out of the house. “I’ll help you search for them again, Nikki.”

“Thanks.”

I had to admit, I was surprised that he was being so helpful. He had done a complete turnaround, which meant that A – he was really and truly demented, B – he was still playing me, or, C – he’d been telling the truth about Faye. In any case, I wasn’t sure if it would change things. The man I loved was dead and any feelings that I may have had for Ethan in the past were overshadowed by grief.

Pushing it from my mind, I stared at Ethan’s bloodstained shirt. “Ethan, what happened to Faye?”

He frowned. “We fought and she got away. She was bleeding pretty badly when she left, although she also clawed the hell out of my stomach.” He raised his shirt, exposing his abdomen, which had healed completely. He sighed, obviously trying to be sensitive to my pain. “Uh, it’s already healed.”

“That’s good,” I whispered as my eyes moved to Duncan’s pale face. I had to bite my lip to keep from crying. The emptiness inside was overwhelming. All I could think about was Duncan – I wanted his arms around me, I wanted to hear him talk about marriage, and I wanted him to remind me, once again, how we’d have eternity together. But that would never happen and I needed to pull myself together. My brother and mother were still missing.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and looked at Ethan. “It’s just too bad you couldn’t have killed the bitch.”

“I’m not giving up,” he replied evenly. “I also have a lot of unfinished business with her.”

I felt like being snarky again, but changed my mind. I just didn’t have the energy. “Do you think she could have hurt my mother or brother?”

“Faye left,” interrupted Celeste.

My eyes widened. “How do you know?”

She avoided Martin’s eyes. “Because, I followed her.”

“I wish you’d stay away from that woman,” snapped Martin. “She’s going to kill you one of these days.”

“No, she would never harm me,” insisted Celeste. “I’ve told you that before.”

He shook his head and mumbled something.

“If you followed her, why did you come back here?” I asked, still having a hard time trusting Celeste. Just because we fought on the same side this time didn’t mean squat. Not after the past we had together.

“Because, I wanted to watch Martin kill Victor. He deserved to die and I wanted to make sure it really happened.”

“Faye may have returned, though,” said Ethan, looking up into the trees. “Just like you, Celeste.”

“Do shape-shifters heal quickly?” I asked.

“Not like us,” he replied. “But, she has so much hate in her, that pain might not be a deterrent.”

“Great,” I replied, now a little more worried about my brother and mom. “Let’s go look for them again.”

“What do you want to do with Duncan?” asked Martin.

“Hold on,” I said and then ran into the garage. I grabbed a plastic bag that was sitting on the workbench, and pulled out the blanket inside. My mother had purchased it for my car and I’d forgotten all about it. It was an emergency blanket.

“Nikki? We need to take care of him.”

I covered Duncan with the blanket. “What do you mean – take care of him?”

“He’s gone, Nikki. He can’t recover from this kind of injury. He’s missing his heart,” said Martin.

“Don’t you think I realize that?” I snapped. “I’m not stupid.”

Instead of getting angry at my rudeness, he put a hand on my shoulder. “Of course. I’m sorry. We’re just worried about you.”

I noticed that even Celeste was staring at me with pity. “I’m fine,” I answered, softening my voice. I forced a smile. “Really.”

Martin rubbed the back of his neck and nodded toward the ground. “Well, what would you like to do with him? We can’t just leave him out here and I don’t think he should be placed with the others. We could dig a grave?”

I knelt down and touched Duncan’s head through the blanket. I knew that a small part of me believed he would still wake up. That his immortal body might even produce a new heart. The rational side of me knew that it would never happen, however. He was gone and there was nothing that would change it.

“I think we should,” I replied. “But, I want him buried in a special place.”

“Where?” asked Ethan, moving next to me.

I thought about the very first place Duncan and I had made love – on someone’s private beach in Florida, and decided that more than anything, I wanted him buried there. It was emotionally hard to talk about, however, so I decided not to say anything yet.

“I’ll tell you later,” I replied. “For now, let’s put him in the garage.”

Ethan nodded, and then before I could protest, lifted Duncan up and walked toward the garage, cradling him in my arms.

I swallowed back another lump in my throat and turned away. “Um, so where should we start first, Martin?”

“Let’s move back toward town, keeping our eyes open. We’ll check Duncan’s place and then the club,” he replied.

“Okay,” I said as Ethan stepped back out of the garage.

“We should split up. Ethan – you and Nikki could head east and we’ll head west. We’ll follow the lake around and meet in town.”

“I’m game,” replied Ethan. He looked at me. “Is that okay?”

I shrugged. “I don’t care. I just want to find them.”

“We will,” he replied, his eyes softening.

“We’ll meet you in town. Come on, Celeste,” said Martin, as he launched into the air.

She looked at both of us and smirked.

“What?” I asked, scowling at her.

“I was just thinking how convenient it is for Ethan, now with Duncan out of the picture.”

Ethan’s face turned dark. “Fuck you, Celeste.”

“But, now you can have her all to yourself,” she replied, before leaving us.

He looked at me. “She’s crazy. Don’t listen to her.”

I didn’t reply.

He stepped closer to me. “Nikki, look… I’m not going to lie, I love you. I never stopped. But, what happened to Duncan was tragic and I see now how much you truly loved him. So, I want you to know that I would never use his death as a way to bring you back to me. I just want you to help you find Nathan and Anne. That’s it.”

He looked so sincere that I wanted to believe him. “Okay,” I replied. “Thank you.”

Ethan looked past me and sighed in relief. “Hey, here comes your mother.”

I turned around and my mother landed next to me in the snow. “Mom, where is Nathan? Did you find him?”

“He’s back at Duncan’s place. I told him I’d come back and let everyone know that he’s okay. Where are Martin and Celeste?”

“They went looking for you two,” I replied. “We were just going to do the same.”

Her eyes moved to Ethan and she frowned. “He isn’t giving you any trouble, is he?”

“No,” I replied.

She smiled. “Good. Ethan, why don’t you find Martin and Celeste. Let them know that we’re okay. Make it quick so they don’t waste any more energy. They’re probably exhausted from the fighting as it is.”

“Okay,” he replied, and then looked at me. “Are you going to be okay?”

“She’s with me,” replied my mother. “She’ll be fine.”

Something passed through Ethan’s eyes, but he didn’t say anything. Instead, he leaped into the sky and disappeared.

“He’s a strange one, isn’t he?” she said, shaking her head. “I never know if he’s one of the good guys, or one of the bad guys.”

I smiled. “I hear you.”

She looked around. “Where are all the bodies?”

“We put them in the house.”

“What about Duncan’s?”

I sighed. “He’s in the garage. I’m going to see if Martin will help me get him to Florida. To bury him.”

“You should have him cremated. It will be easier.”

The thought of burning Duncan’s body made me shudder. “No. Maybe. I don’t know.”

“Are you sure he’s really dead?” she asked.

I nodded. “You saw him.”

“Let’s just take one more look,” she replied, walking toward the garage. “I mean he is a Roamer, right?”

I followed her. “Yes. But, nothing will bring him back from this, mom.”

When we stepped inside, I saw Duncan lying in the middle of the garage. We walked over and she leaned down.

“Yes. I guess you can’t really recover from that. Looks like someone ripped his heart out.”

“It was Victor. You were there.”

She looked at me. “Do you have any idea how painful it is?”

I frowned. “Yeah, I can imagine.”

“No, I mean giving your heart to someone, only to have them crush it without any kind of remorse?”

“Mom, are you talking about Victor?” I answered, looking at her incredulously. “I mean, I thought you were long over him.”

“No,” she replied sternly. “I’m not talking about him.”

I looked at her blankly. “Caleb?”

“I’m talking about him. Ethan. The one you stole from me. The one you just couldn’t live without!” she snapped, her eyes burning with hate.

My heart skipped a beat. “What?”

She grabbed my throat and I stared in horror as my mother’s image morphed into Faye’s grotesque reptilian form.

She grinned evilly. “I always knew you were a little slow.”

“Please,” I gasped, as her hand tightened. I tried wrenching it free, but it was useless. I’d spent too much of my energy earlier.

“He doesn’t love you, you know,” she hissed. “He only loves his Miranda.”

“I don’t care,” I gasped.

“You think you don’t, but you do.”

“He… deceived… me.”

She laughed. “That’s right. He did, didn’t he?”

I glared at her.

“I guess I can show you, since you’re going to die anyway. You fell for it, hook, line, and sinker. You are so stupid and so damn gullible.”

My eyes widened as she turned into Ethan and spoke in his low timbre. “You’re mine. You will always be mine. I don’t care about anything else – Miranda, Victor, helping Celeste. Let’s just get out of here and we’ll start over.”

“You’re sick,” I said, staring at her in horror. Ethan had said those words to me in Vegas. I’d never forget them.

“No, you’re sick,” she replied, turning into her normal, human form. “You played both of them and now that poor kid, Duncan, died because of your selfishness.”

“No. It wasn’t my fault,” I answered as she loosened her grasp slightly.

Grinning sadistically, this time she turned into Duncan. “It was your fault I died. And my dad. You killed him, too. If it wasn’t for your selfish needs, he’d be alive, too.”

A shadow loomed behind Faye.

Ethan.

She must have noticed something in my eyes, because she let me go and turned around, still looking like Duncan.

Ethan looked down and then smiled wryly at me over her shoulder. “Tell me that Duncan was at least hung better than Faye?”

Ignoring him, Faye transformed back to her human form. “Ethan,” she said, with a brittle smile. “What are you doing here?”

“The question is – what are you doing here?” he said, ignoring her nudity.

“I came looking for you. You were supposed to meet me back at the club. You never showed up.”

He sighed. “Enough with the games, Faye. What have you done with Nikki’s brother and mom?”

“Nothing,” she answered. “I have no idea where they are.”

“So, you just decided to stop by and fuck with my mind?” I snapped.

“No, actually, I came to kill you.”

“You’re a sick bitch,” I replied, stepping away from her.

Ethan pulled me behind him. “Faye, I should kill you for what you’ve done to us. You deserve no less.”

Her lips trembled. “I… I love you, Ethan. I did it because I wanted us to be together,” she said, grabbing his hands.

He swatted them away. “I know that you did it for love. Your own kind of twisted sense of it. And, that’s why I’m allowing you live.”

“Because you love me, too?” she asked, her eyes widening.

“No, Faye,” he said. “I love Nikki.”

I closed my eyes. Now that I knew for certain that he hadn’t turned me over to Victor, it gave me a sense of peace. It also made me hate her even more, if that was even possible.

Her eyes hardened. “Then, I’m going to make sure that you spend eternity together. Kane!” she hollered at the top of her lungs

The garage door opened and a strange man stepped inside. He froze and then laughed, shaking his head. “Well, this is awkward. Faye, put some clothing on, will you?”

“I don’t have any,” she snapped, stepping over to him.

Kane walked over and picked up the blanket covering Duncan

I sucked in my breath and then glared at him. “Put that back!”

Kane leaned over Duncan. “He’s pretty much dead. He’s not going to miss it.”

Furious, I stormed over to Faye and grabbed the blanket, snatching it from her. I then covered Duncan while Kane watched me, smiling in amusement.

“Kane, what are you doing here in Shore Lake?” asked Ethan, his face dark.

“Faye told me that Victor was dead. I followed her here to verify that. I didn’t know it was going to turn into some kind of crazed lover’s quarrel.”

“Victor is dead. I brought him into the house, which won’t be standing much longer. Go on, check it out,” said Ethan.

“I think I will,” he replied, walking back out the door.

Faye muttered something and followed him outside.

“Come on, Nikki,” said Ethan, grabbing my hand. Mentally exhausted, I let him take it and followed him out of the garage.

“Is Kane really her brother?” I whispered.

“I believe so,” he replied as we watched him go into the house.

“Is he as crazy as she is?” I asked, staring at her on the porch. She was still naked and glaring at us. I wasn’t as frightened of her as I’d been before, however. Now, I just saw her as a sad, obsessed, and lonely creature.

“Probably. One thing I do know is that he’s a greedy bastard who has connections with the lycan mafia.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Seriously, there is a lycan mafia?”

“Yes. Victor was also connected.”

“That answers a lot,” I replied.

Kane stepped back onto the porch. He pulled out a cigarette and lit the end. “You trying to pull one on me, or what?” he called.

“What do you mean?” asked Ethan.

“Victor isn’t in there,” he said, blowing out a stream of smoke.

“The hell he isn’t,” replied Ethan. “I brought him inside myself.”

“Are you sure he isn’t in there?” asked Faye, scowling.

“Pretty sure. Why don’t you go look for yourself, while I keep an eye on these guys?” he answered, winking at us.

She huffed and walked into the house.

Kane took out his metal lighter again, flipped the top open, and flicked it.

My eyes widened. The house was extremely flammable, and he had to have smelled the gasoline.

Kane opened the door. “Find him yet, Faye?” he hollered.

“Yes, of course I did, you idiot,” she hollered back. “You should get your eyes checked.”

“My eyes are perfectly fine,” he answered, tossing the lighter into the house.

There was a loud “whoosh” and then an explosion somewhere inside. I watched in shock as Kane stepped calmly away from the house and fire broke out everywhere. There was a scream of rage from inside and I shuddered as an image of her burning alive popped into my head.

“Oh, hell,” he said, with a shit-eating grin. “I guess I picked the wrong time to start smoking again.”

I stared at the flames that now engulfed the entire house.

Was she really dead?

My question was answered seconds later when she burst out of the house in flames, most of her skin either melted away or charred to a crisp.

“Oh, my God,” I gasped, taking a step back.

Screaming in rage, she tried attacking Kane, but never made it. Instead, she collapsed onto the grass and eventually stopped moving.

“Is she dead?” I whispered.

Kane walked over and kicked her in the shoulder. She didn’t even flinch. He turned and looked at me. “I’d say so.”

Ethan and I walked over to Faye’s body and I knew that if she was alive, the pain had to be excruciating.

“Oh, hell,” said Kane. “I supposed I should put her out of her misery, just in case she isn’t dead.” Then, he stomped on her head with his boot, crushing her skull.

I gasped and looked away. “Jesus.”

“She would have done much worse to you,” said Kane. “You’re stupid if you feel sorry for her.”

I turned to him. “Why did you kill her?” I asked, frowning. “Your own sister?”

Kane stared down at her. “Come on now, you know she was a few beans short of a taco. I did you a favor.”

“Is that right?” asked Ethan, smirking. “For us?”

“Well, and the club. I own half of Club Nightshade now. Scratch that – I now own the entire establishment. Good thing she loved me enough to put me in her will,” he answered, smiling through his cloud of smoke.

“That is very convenient,” said Ethan. “I always heard you were shameless, Kane. I have to say, however, that this beats anything I’ve ever heard about you.”

He chuckled. “Then you don’t know me at all.”

I turned and began walking away. “I need to get out of here and find Nathan and mom.”

“I’ll help you,” replied Ethan.

“Hey – I’m going to have a grand reopening of the club in a few weeks. Same name, just a few changes. Tell your friends,” yelled Kane as we got ready to fly away.

“Psychopath,” I muttered.

“Probably the only thing you and Faye would ever agree on,” answered Ethan, leaping into the sky.

Chapter Forty

Nikki

We finally met up with mom and Nathan at Duncan’s house. Martin had arrived at the house first with Celeste, and then he met me and Ethan just as we were making our way around the lake.

“Your brother is hurt pretty badly,” he said, following us back to the house.

Sure enough, Nathan was bleeding and unconscious when we arrived. Fortunately, he would heal quickly now that he was a lycan.

“Did Faye do this, or was it another lycan?” I asked my mother, as she cleaned his wounds. Nathan was sprawled out on the sofa, wearing a pair of boxers. The bite marks on his leg were so deep that you could see part of his bone.

“Lycan. There were two of them when I arrived. They were both attacking him at once and he was barely conscious. I killed one of the bastards and the second took off running.”

“So, he’s still running around?” asked Ethan.

She nodded. “He took off back toward the cabin. I’m surprised you didn’t run into him.”

“We ran into Faye,” I said, and then told her the story.

“So, she’s dead?” asked Martin.

I nodded and looked around. “Where’s Celeste?”

“She went back to Faye’s condo to wait for her,” he replied.

“She’s not going to be happy when she runs into Kane,” I answered, smiling smugly.

“He sounds like a real lunatic,” my mother said. “Another reason to get out of this town.”

Martin sighed. “Hearing that, I think I’m going to find my sister now and bring her back to the ranch. If any of you need a place to stay, you’re welcome to join us. I’ll be returning to Europe soon, but wouldn’t mind having someone watch over the place until I return. I have a feeling I’ll be taking Celeste overseas this time around.”

Mom smiled. “We’re grateful for the offer, but I’m thinking about bringing the kids back to California. Now that Galen, I mean Victor, is gone, I’d like to return to a place that feels normal.”

He nodded. “Understandable. If you change your mind.”

“We’ll let you know,” she replied.

Martin looked at Ethan. “What about you?”

“No offense, but I’ll never return to the ranch. My stay there wasn’t exactly pleasant,” he replied.

Martin grinned. “No, I suppose not.”

“Thanks for helping us, Martin,” I said. “And, sorry about… Victor. I know you wanted to be the one to kill him.”

Martin’s eyes softened. “Nikki, if anyone deserved that right, it was you. No regrets here.”

I nodded and looked down as an image of Duncan’s smile flashed through my head again. My heart was still heavy, and although Victor was dead, it did nothing to quell the sadness. I would have given up my own heart to bring Duncan back. He’d already owned it anyway.

“Hey,” whispered Nathan.

“Nathan!” squealed mom. “You’re conscious.”

“Unfortunately,” he replied hoarsely. “This hurts like a sonofabitch.”

“You’ll heal,” said Martin.

Mom looked at his leg again. “Should he get stitches?”

“He won’t need them,” answered Ethan. “Hell, he’ll be running around and howling at the moon as early as tonight.”

“Funny,” replied Nathan dryly.

“I’m just saying,” said Ethan, raising his hands. “You go to the hospital for stitches, the wound will be closed before he’s admitted.”

“Looks like it’s doing better already,” mom replied, putting a blanket over it.

“Martin,” said Nathan, trying to smile through the pain. “Tell Celeste that I forgive her for trying to kill me those two times.”

His eyebrow raised. “Only twice she tried?”

Nathan’s face became serious. “Two that I know of, at least.”

“I will,” answered Martin, walking toward the front door. He stopped and turned around. “Nikki, I’m sorry about Duncan. If you need help burying him…”

“I’ll help her,” said Ethan. “It’s the least I can do.”

“Thanks,” I replied, smiling at him.

Martin nodded and then left.

Ethan turned to me. “We should probably get the body now.”

“Yes,” replied mom. “If the Fire Department hasn’t already arrived and discovered it.”

“Crap,” I replied, not even thinking about it. “Okay. Ethan and I will take care of it. You should probably stay with Nathan.”

“I will,” she answered, raising the blanket. She unscrewed the hydrogen peroxide and poured some on his leg.

“Aaaahhh!” he hollered. “That hurts!”

“Lycan or not, we need to make sure you don’t get an infection,” she replied.

He started complaining again and I walked toward the front door. “Come on, Ethan. There should be some more blood at the marina. We’ll drink some and then return to the cabin for Duncan.”

“Okay,” he replied, following me.

When we walked outside, it was cloudy and snowing again.

“So, you’re going back to California it sounds like?” asked Ethan.

“I guess so.”

“Are you happy about that?”

“To be honest, I’m not happy about anything. I really couldn’t care less about where I go.”

He sighed. “You really loved him, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” I replied softly.

He grabbed my hand and stopped me. “Look, I know you’re grieving for him, and now is probably not the right time to talk about this, but –”

I held up my hand. “You’re right, it’s not. Please.”

“Nikki, just let me have my say. Just once. Please? It might be the last time I get a chance to do it, since you’re moving back to California.”

I sighed. “Okay.”

His blue eyes burned into mine. “I love you. I have never stopped loving you. When I was being held prisoner, your face was the only thing that kept me sane.”

I closed my eyes. His words made my stomach flutter, but they also made me feel guilty. Duncan had just died a couple of hours ago. Even listening to Ethan’s words made me feel ashamed of myself.

He touched my cheek and I opened my eyes. “Your feelings may have changed for me, but mine haven’t.”

“Ethan, we didn’t know each other long enough to know if our feelings were even real. It could have been strictly hormones.”

“Well, for me they were real. I felt a connection to you the very first time we met, and just so you know, it had nothing to do with Miranda. It was you – your eyes, your smile, and your determination to fight for your family. I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“I can honestly say that I’ve never met anyone like you either.”

He grinned. “I don’t think you mean it exactly the same way that I do.”

“No, I’m sure I don’t,” I replied with a smile.

Sirens in the distance startled us both.

“Crap. It’s been reported,” I said, leaping into the sky.

We quickly flew back to the cabin and landed in the woods. Two police cars were parked outside, and one of the officers was kneeling next to Faye’s dead body.

“At least we know she’s really dead,” I whispered. “She hasn’t moved at all.”

“Kane wanted her dead. He knew what he was doing,” whispered Ethan.

Another policeman walked out of the garage.

“We got another dead boy in the garage,” he said. “Looks like it’s a double-homicide.”

“Isn’t that Sonny’s kid?” said the other officer.

“It looks like it.”

“We need to find Sonny and let him know.”

The other officer snorted. “Sonny may already know about this.”

“No. Sonny isn’t a murderer,” said the other officer. “I’ve known him all my life.”

“Let’s hope not.”

Scowling, I looked at Ethan.

He took my hand and squeezed it. “Do you want me to go in and grab Duncan?”

I swallowed hard. “No,” I whispered. “It’s too risky. Besides, I think it’s time they found Sonny’s body, too. They need to know that he didn’t kill his son.”

He nodded. “Yes, they do. Do you want me to dig his body out? I still know where it is.”

“You’d do that?’

“Yes. I could do it late tonight. I’ll leave his body in the park or something.”

I thought about some young kid finding it with his dog, and shook my head. “No. I think I’m going to type out an anonymous note and send it to the police station once we leave Shore Lake. Tell them where it is.”

“If that’s what you want.”

“I think it’ll be easier for everyone if we did it that way.”

“You’re right.”

My eyes widened. “Crap, mom and Nathan need to vacate the house. Now. The cops are going to be all over the marina soon.”

“If they’re not there already,” said Ethan.

We quickly left, and to our relief, Nathan was already off the sofa and limping around the house when we got back to Duncan’s place. Knowing that we didn’t have much time, Ethan, mom, and I finished off the last three packs of blood. Then we quickly packed what little belongings that we had, which was basically two backpacks, and headed over to Ruth’s Diner to feed Nathan. As we sat down to eat, we could see the patrol cars racing into the marina’s parking lot across the street.

“That was close,” said Ethan.

“Let’s just hope we didn’t leave anything strange behind,” said Nathan.

“Everything about us is strange now,” I replied, feeling another wave of sorrow. “Chances are we did leave something. Let’s eat, find your Mustang and get out of town.”

“Jesus, I hope the cops don’t find it in the woods,” he replied.

“I hope the cops don’t find us,” I whispered, staring at the other customers in the diner.

“Look, you have nothing to worry about,” replied Ethan, who was sitting across from me. “Don’t forget, we can charm them if we really have to.”

“Good point,” replied Nathan, opening up his menu. “That makes me feel a lot better.”

The waitress stopped by our table and after she filled our water glasses, Nathan began ordering food.

“Yeah, Nikki will have the steak and egg combo. Ethan wants the pancakes, heavy on the blueberries, mom wants the Denver omelet and I’ll have the ranch breakfast.”

“Wow,” said the waitress, a new girl. “Do you always order for everyone else?”

He grinned. “They have small appetites, so I order what I like because I’ll be eating the leftovers.”

She shook her head and grinned. “Okay. Anything else?”

“Orange juice, and keep it coming,” said Nathan.

“Anyone else?” she repeated.

“Sorry, but you don’t have anything else we want on the menu,” replied Ethan, handing it to her.

The girl gave him a flirtatious smile. “What about off the menu?”

“What are you offering?” asked Ethan, grinning and flirting back.

My stomach knotted up, surprising me a little.

She opened up her mouth to answer and I quickly blurted out. “The water is just fine. Thank you.”

“Are you sure?” asked the waitress, still eyeballing Ethan. “Cause, whatever you’d like, I can find a way to make it happen.”

I suddenly wanted her disappearance from this table to happen.

“We’re fine,” replied Ethan, staring at me, a question in his eyes.

When the waitress left, nobody said anything for a few minutes, which I was relieved. I’d expected Nathan to give me crap, but even he restrained himself. The truth was that I wasn’t even sure where the jealousy had sprung up from. It left me slightly embarrassed and uncomfortable.

After a few minutes, I cleared my throat. “So, we’re moving back to California?”

Mom nodded. “Yes. I think it’s a good idea.”

“What about Ernie?” asked Nathan.

She smiled. “He’s one of the reasons I’m returning.”

“Why?” I asked.

“He deceived us. Here, I thought he was just being a kind old man. He was actually working for Victor.”

“Can’t we just forget about it?”

“Something like this isn’t easily forgettable,” she replied. “I just want a word with him.”

“He’s probably a lycan, too,” I said.

She shrugged. “Maybe. I’m really not too worried about it.”

“What are you going to do, Ethan?” asked my brother.

He looked at me. “It depends.”

“On what?” I asked.

Ethan smiled but didn’t say anything.

“Oh, it depends on Nikki,” said Nathan.

“No it doesn’t. Ethan can do whatever he wants. I’m not someone he has to answer to.”

“You can come with us if you’d like,” said mom.

I arched my eyebrow and looked at her.

“What?” she said. “It’s not like he has anywhere to go. Do you?”

“There’s always somewhere to go,” he answered. “I just need to know how Nikki feels about it.”

Nathan chuckled. “I thought she already told you where to go.”

“Things have changed,” I said to my brother. Then I looked at Ethan. “I mean, they’ve changed as in – I know you’re innocent from trying to trick us. But, things have changed obviously, between us.”

Ethan sighed. “Somehow I knew you were going to say that.”

“You can still come with us, if you’d like,” I added.

“It’s probably better if I don’t,” he replied, staring at his napkin. He then raised his eyes. “You need time to heal.”

I nodded and looked down.

“If you change your mind,” replied mom. “You can call us. Nikki, you still have your cell phone?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Well, there you go,” she answered.

None of us said anything else. We just sat back and watched Nathan devour all of the breakfast items he’d ordered for us.

Chapter Forty-One

Nikki

When we were finished at the diner, Ethan and I snuck back to the woods where we left Nathan’s car, and drove it back to the park that was on Main Street. Nathan and mom were waiting near the picnic tables and I felt another pang of sadness as I thought about the infamous Fourth of July barbecue. Many things had happened that night, including my date with Duncan, and my unscheduled date with Ethan.

My mom gave me a sympathetic smile. “Thinking about Duncan again, aren’t you?”

I nodded.

She patted my shoulder. “I get it. This whole town reminds me of Caleb. It’s another reason I’d really like to leave.”

“Yeah, but are you sure that going back to California is a good idea?” I asked.

“Frankly, I don’t really know,” she admitted. “But, we can’t stay here.”

I didn’t reply. Now that we were actually leaving, I felt depressed.

“I guess this is it,” said Ethan as Nathan loaded the backpacks into the trunk.

“I guess so,” I replied, shoving my hands into my jacket.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join us?” asked mom.

His eyes met mine again. “I would, but I don’t think it would be a good idea. Not now, at least.”

“Where are you going to go?” I asked.

“Oh, here and there,” he answered, smiling.

I smiled. “Well, get a cell phone or something. You can text me at the very least.”

“Texting? I don’t think I’ve ever attempted that before.”

“It’s kind of fun and very addicting,” I replied.

Anne cleared her throat, stepped over to Ethan, and gave him a hug. I could tell that he was surprised.

“Take care of yourself,” she said, pulling away.

He smiled. “Thanks, Anne. You too.”

Nathan walked around the car and held out his hand. “Take care, bro.”

Ethan shook his hand. “You too. And these girls. Take care of them, too.”

“You know it.”

When they got into the car, Ethan grabbed my hand and walked me back to the trunk. He smiled. “Part of me wants to throw you over my shoulder and whisk you away.”

I chuckled. “You do and my mother will chase you down this time.”

He laughed and then his face became serious. “I’m not letting you go, you know. I’m just giving you space.”

My eyebrow arched. “Is that right?”

He reached over and ran a lock of my hair through his fingers. “Yes. Once you’re done grieving for Duncan, I’m going to pop back into your life and make you remember why you fell for me first.”

I tilted my head and felt a smile tugging at my lips. “Did I fall for you first?”

“Like the Berlin Wall. I was there, you know. Both times.”

I laughed. “Really? Both times?”

“Yeah, Germany and Shore Lake. They were both utterly beautiful and monumental,” he replied, his voice soft. He took my hand and brought it up to his lips. “I’m going to miss you,” he whispered, kissing my palm.

I felt a shiver go through me as our eyes met.

“Just one kiss?” he asked softly, the longing in his eyes making me dizzy. I’d almost forgotten how intense Ethan was.

I stared at his lips, and was reminded of the pleasure they’d brought me. “I don’t think it’s a good –”

Before I could finish, he pulled me to him and his lips sought mine. I lost myself for a few seconds and he groaned in the back of his throat as our tongues met. His lips were soft and I’d forgotten how perfectly they fit against mine. But, then a wave of guilt washed through me, and I pushed him away.

“I’m sorry,” I said, not meeting his eyes. “I don’t want to lead you on.”

He smiled and shook his head. “You’re not. I’m just addicted to you.” He kissed me quickly and then stepped back.

I cleared my throat and walked toward the car door. “Goodbye, Ethan.”

“Not goodbye,” he replied, staring at me. “Hello.”

I looked at him puzzled. “Hello?”

“Yes. Hello. I’m never saying goodbye to you again, Nikki,” he answered with a twinkle in his eye. Then he leaped into the sky and disappeared.

Chapter Forty-Two

Six Months Later

The snow had melted and I’d managed to stay away from Shore Lake for the past few months. But, in my dreams, I’d never really left. The images left me anxious, depressed, and it was difficult adjusting to everything my mother tried to do to make our lives feel somewhat normal.

“I’m going back,” I said one evening. We were renting a house in San Francisco and Nathan had just registered for an auto-mechanics school, while I hadn’t yet decided exactly what I wanted to do with my life.

“Going back? Where?” asked mom, although I could tell she already knew the answer.

“To Shore Lake.”

Her lips pursed. “Why?’

For many reasons, although I offered just one. “I want to see what they did with Duncan’s body. If they buried it, and where.”

“I’m sure they did,” she replied, touching my hand. “Do you want me to come with you?”

“No, I’m just going there for one night,” I answered. “You know, to look around.”

“Does this have anything to do with Ethan?”

“I’m sure he’s long gone, mom.”

She stared into my eyes for a few seconds, and then released my hand. “Okay. Just be careful.”

I snorted. “Be careful, for what? Monsters?”

“That’s right, we’re the monsters,” she replied with a grim smile.

That wasn’t exactly true. We’d let Ernie off the hook, not even paying him a visit, and she had gotten a job at a blood bank, as an accountant. Thus, we didn’t need to rely on hunting for our meals. I wasn’t too sure about Nathan, however. He went out every Friday night and didn’t get home until Sunday afternoon. I knew my brother wasn’t a human killer, but something told me that he was getting proficient at hunting rabbits and other small animals. Then there were the girls. Every evening during the week, he was on the phone with a new “babe.” He was definitely adjusting to our new life, which made my mother happy.

***

I arrived in town around dusk, wearing black capris and a dark polo shirt, to blend in with the night. My first stop was to Victor’s cabin. I desperately needed to go back and face my nightmares.

When I reached the property, the cabin was gone, and in its place, a new one was being built. Someone had obviously purchased the land after Victor had disappeared. I wondered if it was Kane and hoped that I didn’t run into him on my visit.

I walked around for a while, thinking back to the last time I’d been there, and it still brought tears to my eyes.

“Nikki.”

My heart began to race.

I turned around and there he was.

Ethan. Looking as handsome as ever. Today he had on a pair of dark blue jeans and a T-shirt with a skull on it. It emphasized his muscles and I suddenly had an incredible urge to touch them through the fabric, to see if they were as hard as I remembered.

“You’re still here,” I said, feeling giddy. I’d missed him more than I’d realized. “In Shore Lake?”

“Where else would I go?” he replied in a soft voice.

“I don’t know, maybe somewhere warm and exotic? Hawaii? The Cayman Islands?”

He stepped toward me. “I couldn’t leave. I knew you’d be back.”

“You did, huh?”

Ethan looked down into my eyes, drinking them in hungrily. “Why do you think I set you free?”

I grinned. “You set me free?”

He grinned back. “What’s that saying – if you love someone, set them free, and they’ll return if they feel the same?”

“Something like that,” I answered, getting lost in the blueness of his eyes. They’d also haunted my dreams in the midst of all the darkness. I cleared my throat. I needed to tell him and he needed to know. “Guess what?”

“What?” he asked touching my face. His fingers on my skin made me tingle all over.

“I…”

Before I could finish, he pressed his lips against mine and began kissing me. I closed my eyes and melted into his arms. He tightened his hold, as if afraid I’d try to escape.

I needed to tell him…

“Ethan,” I said, pushing him away gently. “I have something to tell you.”

“You came all of this way just to talk?” he asked, his eyes burning with desire.

“No,” I answered truthfully. “I was hoping to find you. Maybe do a little more than talk.”

“I’m glad you did,” he answered, running his hand down my hair, which I’d kept down. He pulled me close so my face was nuzzling his neck. “I’ve been dreaming about this moment for a long time.”

“I know. Actually, me too,” I replied, closing my eyes. In his arms I felt like I’d really come home. And his scent… the butterscotch. I’d forgotten how warm and mouthwatering it was.

“What did you want to tell me?” he asked in my hair.

I took a deep breath. “I went and spoke to someone. A woman in San Francisco.”

“Uh, okay?”

I pulled away from him. “You were right, Ethan.”

His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean, I was right?”

I smiled. “The woman was a psychic. She… she told me who I was in another life.”

He didn’t say anything, just stared at me.

I continued. “She claimed that I was a woman named Miranda,” I said, feeling the hair stand up on the back of my neck, even as I said it. When she’d told me originally, I’d started crying, my feelings so jumbled. Then I’d flown home, locking myself in my room for a few hours as it sunk in. Eventually, I’d given in and accepted the news, as disturbing as it had been.

“No,” he replied firmly, not giving me the reaction I’d expected. “No, it’s not true.”

I nodded. “It is, Ethan. How would she know?”

“Maybe someone told her. Maybe she was a fake?”

I shook my head. “I don’t think so. I didn’t plan on seeing her, so it wasn’t a set-up. Anyway, she also knew that I was a vampire. She could tell right away, which didn’t seem to freak her out or anything.” She’d actually given me a free reading, probably too frightened to charge me money.

“I… I don’t know what to say,” he replied, still looking at me in disbelief.

“You don’t have to say anything,” I replied. “I just wanted you to know that you were right all along.”

“I didn’t want to be,” he said. “I fell in love with you. It had nothing to do with… Miranda.”

“But, I’m both. So, it doesn’t matter.”

He was silent.

“Maybe that’s why we were drawn together, and why it was so intense.”

He let out a ragged sigh and looked away.

“I thought you’d be happy,” I answered, getting nervous. For the past couple of weeks, I’d imagined his reaction, and this was definitely not even close.

“I… I don’t know what to say.”

“What’s wrong?”

He sighed. “You have no idea how much I wanted you to be her. When I first met you. But then, when I got to know you, I felt like you were so much stronger emotionally. Where she was fragile and weak, you were the opposite. It made me love you more.”

“That hasn’t changed. I’m not weak or suicidal. That’s not me, and you know that.”

He nodded.

“Don’t you love me anymore?” I asked quietly.

“Don’t I love you?” His eyes bore into mine and they glimmered with tears. “Of course I do. I love you. I love you so much and I’ve never stopped. But not because of who or what you were in a previous life. I love you for being the strong woman you are here and now. The one who would rather die to save others, and not die because she didn’t think she could.”

“Well, I guess you can’t choose your past,” I said, smiling up at him. “But you can choose your future.”

“I hope your future is with me,” he whispered, still searching my eyes. “It’s all I’ve wanted since the moment I met you, Nikki.”

Smiling, I grabbed the sides of his head and kissed his lips with everything I had. Then I pulled back and stared into his eyes, wanting him more than ever. “Ethan, it has always been and always will be with you.”

The End

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-Other Books -

Six stories of paranormal fantasy and horror written by bestselling author - Kristen Middleton

Vampires, witches, and zombies - all under one cover!
Wicked
Blur
Enchanted Secrets
Zombie Games (Origins)
The Coin Collector
Venom

Warning - Adult language and situations - recommended for ages sixteen and above.

Wicked (A Night Roamers Short)

When eighteen-year-old Emily wakes up to find herself being held captive in a barn with four other women and tries to escape, she finds herself being hunted by a dark presence through the deep woods of Montana.

Blur (Book One of Night Roamers)

Danger lurks in the dead of night...
Seventeen year old Nikki and her twin brother, Nathan, move to the small town of Shore Lake to start over after their mother is brutally attacked. When a missing teenager washes up on shore during their first night at the cabin and there are whispers of vampires in Shore Lake, Nikki begins to realize that there are things roaming in the darkness that are far more sinister than what they left behind in the city

Enchanted Secrets (Book One of Witches Of Bayport)

Magic, murder, and mayhem...
Eighteen-year-old Kendra learns that her mother has been keeping secrets, the biggest being that she and her twin sister, Kala, are descendants of a long line of witches. Unfortunately, where magic reigns, so does danger and she is forced into an adventure that leaves her racing against the clock to stop an evil curse.

The Coin Collector (Stand-alone Short)

In a small Iowa town, children start to go missing on their tenth birthday. The hot Irish girl across the street claims her creepy father, Mr. O'Darby, is a leprechaun who collects more than just gold coins, and 17-year-old Trent begins to fear for the safety of his brother, Ben, whose tenth birthday grows near.

Zombie Games (Origins) Book One

Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Wild thought that living in the chaos of her mother's home daycare and dealing with new feelings for Bryce, her martial arts instructor, was a struggle until her world turned upside down. When an untested vaccine kills more than just a rampant flu virus, Cassie learns how to survive in a world where the dead walk and the living... run!

Venom – (Derived from Night Roamers)

When Melody Williams goes missing at a concert, at Club Nightshade, her eighteen-year-old cousin, Chelsey Fairfax, sneaks into the club to find answers. Little does she know that some mysteries are better left hidden.

Meanwhile, Venom is in town, a hot new band from Europe, and the owner of Club Nightshade wants them there permanently...

Sinclair Jeffries thought she knew what she was getting into when her zany, gay friend, Jesse Eddington, talked her into portraying his girlfriend during his parent's anniversary party on Huntington Beach. That is, until she met Reed, Jesse's sexy as hell older brother, and ends up getting much more than what she'd bargained for.

Reed Eddington assumed his future was settled until he met Sinclair, his brother's so-called "girlfriend", but the raw, sexual tension between them is hard to ignore. As he watches their ruse from the sidelines, he finds himself wanting to uncover more than just their amusing little facade.

Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 18+

Seventeen-year-old Cassandra Wild thought that living in the chaos of her mother's home daycare and dealing with new feelings for Bryce, her martial arts instructor, was a struggle until her world turned upside down. When an untested vaccine kills more than just a rampant flu virus, Cassie learns how to survive in a world where the dead walk and the living... run!

This YA story is a lighthearted adventure filled with zombies, butt-kicking teenaged girls, a man obsessed with video games, an annoying but totally HOT karate instructor, and humor when needed.

Table of Contents

- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- Chapter Eighteen
- Chapter Nineteen
- Chapter Twenty
- Chapter Twenty-One
- Chapter Twenty-Two
- Chapter Twenty-Three
- Chapter Twenty-Four
- Chapter Twenty-Five
- Chapter Twenty-Six
- Chapter Twenty-Seven
- Chapter Twenty-Eight
- Chapter Twenty-Nine
- Chapter Thirty
- Chapter Thirty-One
- Chapter Thirty-Two
- Chapter Thirty-Three
- Chapter Thirty-Four
- Chapter Thirty-Five
- Chapter Thirty-Six
- Chapter Thirty-Seven
- Chapter Thirty-Eight
- Chapter Thirty-Nine
- Chapter Forty
- Chapter Forty-One
- Chapter Forty-Two