Crimson Sunrise

  My skin tingled at first, growing into a burn before pricking painfully. Absorbing energy from werewolves was different than vampires. The power was more animalistic, positively primal.

  “Stop,” I thundered and shoved through all the people in my path. I pushed into the middle of the fray, snagged a handful of blonde hair and tried to wrench Bridgette off Sammie. Bridgette knocked me loose. I staggered back and bumped into the crowd forming a circle around us.

  “I said to stop, you stupid bitch!” I screamed at the top of my lungs. “No wonder no one wants your worthless ass!”

  Bridgette dropped Sammie and turned, bright blue eyes homed in on me. She propelled herself and knocked me back into the wall against the bar.

  “I’ll show you bitch,” she threatened, lips pulling back.

  I grasped her arm and forced all the energy inside my body out and directly into her. It burned, licking like a flame against my hand and through my fingers. Her eyes widened and she tried to pull away, but the current passing between our bodies kept us locked together.

  Bridgette shuddered and fell back. As we were fused together, my body landed on top. I couldn’t break the contact, even as I tried to pull my hand free. I felt her body contracting beneath me and watched in horror as her face shifted. Her nose extended and her bones cracked. The veins under her skin distorted as fur appeared and sprouted all over her body. Her clothes ripped in several places, and her human scream changed to an animalistic whine of agony.

  When the last of the energy trickled from my hand, I let go and jumped over her still changing body. I ran to Sammie who stood watching. Her mouth dangled open in shock and disbelief. Bridgette finished her shift. Her wolf form was covered in torn leather and lace. She was breathing heavily with her eyes closed.

  “What the fuck was that?” someone close by snarled and I looked around.

  Everyone was watching, their eyes intent on me. I stepped back instinctively and gasped when I bumped into something solid.

  “Next time,” Caleb growled, wrapped an arm around my stomach, and pulled me against him. “I’m escorting you to the bathroom.”

  “What the fuck is she?” someone else yelled. The crowd murmured an agreement and voices rose in anger.

  Caleb’s body came over mine as he began to shift, his bones and muscles stretching and expanding. Sarah and Derek appeared and I reached for Sammie. I tugged her close as Caleb’s growling became louder.

  “Chill,” Haven shouted over everyone, parting the crowd. “Emma’s my personal guest here. In case any of you numnuts have a problem with that, she’s also Caleb’s bonded mate. If you want a piece of that action, feel free. I’ll happily referee your match in the pit. Otherwise, back the fuck off!”

  Caleb was tense as he prepared to protect me if necessary. I watched Derek who smugly lifted his hands, indicating he was ready to wrangle if someone wanted to take a go. The seconds ticked by, agonizingly slow, until everyone stepped away from the circle around Bridgette. Bridgette lifted her head and shook it, attempting to get to her feet.

  “I’m pretty sure I know who started this shit,” Haven said, glowering down at her. “And I suggest she go home for the night. You feel me?”

  Bridgette made it to wobbly paws. Her blonde coat was lovely in the hazy lighting. She was large, her shoulders extending past my waist. She didn’t make a sound and kept her muzzle down as she slowly sauntered toward the bar. Her body was quickly shielded behind the legs and feet of everyone around her.

  “You mind telling me what I just saw?” Haven asked, but it wasn’t a request.

  “I don’t know,” I mumbled. Clearing my throat, I answered truthfully, “I can shift energy around objects. I didn’t think it would do that.”

  Haven motioned us back toward the table. Sammie went first, then me and Caleb. Haven slid in next, followed by Derek and Sarah. Sarah watched me closely, worry marring her expressive face. I had explained a bit of how my ability worked to her and Derek, but they’d left Scotland before they understood things clearly.

  “Shift energy?” Haven reached for his drink. “Does that have something to do with the fairy thing?”

  I nodded and shrugged. My blood was devised from the oldest mythical creatures; the result of a Fae woman who fell in love with a mortal man centuries before. Her blood trickled down through the years courtesy of her descendants. Discovered accidentally after a vampire changed one, the bloodlines formed the first trueblood vampire houses, giving them special talents and traits. Those who remained human, like me, didn’t have spectacular powers. But we could manipulate borrowed metaphysical energy.

  “How does that work?” Haven asked, genuinely curious.

  I glanced at Caleb and reached for his hand. After he’d come for me in Scotland, I’d asked him to loan me his energy to practice. He knew what I wanted, and I felt the strength rise through his skin as his wolf came to the surface. The energy hummed past his flesh and into mine. I released his hand and put it on top of the marble table.

  “Put your keys on the table,” I told Haven quietly and watched as he rose in his seat and rummaged inside his pocket. He slapped a set of keys on the tabletop and waited, gazing at me quizzically.

  I glanced toward the bar. If anyone was watching, I couldn’t see them. I focused on the keys, lifted my hand, and concentrated. Projecting energy around the keys, I focused on where I wanted them to go. The object was light, meaning it would be easy to lift. The keys flew off the table and into my open hand. My fingers closed around the metal as the plastic protectors made contact with my palm.

  Haven leaned forward, the half-smoked cigar drooping in his mouth. “Holy shit.”

  “Pretty fucking cool, huh,” Derek said.

  “Can you do that with anything?” Haven caught the keys as I tossed them back. He looked at me differently, finally accepting my special heritage made me different than normal people. I wasn’t certain if that was a good or a bad thing.

  “Maybe, but it takes practice.”

  Haven was completely serious now. “You two enjoy your break. When you get back, there’s someone I want you to meet.”

  “Who?” Caleb and I asked simultaneously.

  Haven shook his head and downed his drink. Then he said, “Enjoy your trip. When you get back, I’ll tell you. It can keep until then.”

  Chapter 2—Future Consequences

  “How was Thanksgiving?” my mother asked through the phone. Her voice was melodic, even across the line, and I realized just how much I missed her.

  “It was nice. We got to spend time with Caleb’s family. Derek and Sarah have been around too, so we’ve been hanging out.”

  “And how are you?”

  “I’m fine, Mom,” I said quickly, seeking to comfort her.

  “And how is Caleb?” She had always been on Caleb’s side, even when I’d given up on him.

  “He’s wonderful.” I smiled when she laughed.

  Anxious, I finally found the nerve to ask, “What about Dad and Trent?” Asking about my father was easy, Trent not so much. I started pacing as I waited for her to answer.

  “Your father is doing very well. Since his debt is considered paid, he’s been amazing.” She paused and her voice caught. “Trent is doing well. He’s still sending others to the States and managing business from the phone.”

  My heart sank. “He’s still upset with me, isn’t he?”

  “No, sweetheart.” She denied it, even though we both knew better. “He’s happy for you. We all knew what your heart always wanted. Trent accepts that. We just miss you terribly. It’s difficult adjusting to your absence.”

  “We’ll be visiting at Christmas,” I reminded her. “That’s less than a month away.”

  “True. But it seems like a very long time to wait.”

  “Mom, you’re going to live forever. Now that’s a long time.”

  “True again,” she agreed sadly, her lovely voice trembling. She didn’t like to be reminded I would only be around for so l
ong. She quickly changed the subject to a happier topic. “So when do you leave?”

  I told her about our plans. We had decided to fly to Colorado and rent a truck to drive to Haven’s cabin. Once there we were going to spend much needed time alone, at least a week or more. We had many things to discuss and figure out. I still had my house in Big Falls, and we had to decide what to do about our current living arrangements. Then, there was the most important issue of all—the werewolf decision.

  “Call me when you can,” she said expectantly. “We’ll worry if you don’t.”

  “I promise. I love you, Mom. Tell Dad I love him too.”

  “We love you too, Emmaline. Be safe...and be happy.”

  The click from the other end of the line informed me she was gone.

  ****

  Caleb and I took Sammie when we went to the outlet to shop for trip necessities. Haven warned us snow boots, winter coats, and thick gloves were necessary to survive the bitter cold at his spread—especially for me. I didn’t produce the kind of body heat werewolves did, and one good freeze would turn me into a Popsicle.

  The stores and outlets were in a long assembly line. Anything and everything you could possibly imagine or need was available, from sporting goods to peanut butter brittle—the latter of which I had to try, of course.

  We’d just entered the leather goods store when I spotted them—two young men and a girl—vampires. Their skin glistened courtesy of the florescent fixtures above, and their eyes shone brilliantly in the light. They glided toward us, their movements smooth and quiet.

  “Hello, Sammie,” the girl addressed Sammie. I watched warily as Sammie approached them.

  “Hi, Erin,” Sammie said happily, grinning from ear to ear. “What are you doing here?”

  “Making a pit stop on the way to Biloxi,” the female vampire answered and glanced over at me and Caleb. Her grass green eyes focused on him, traveling up and then down his frame. Her bright red hair was silky smooth and cropped short, winding around her chin. “And what are you doing here?”

  “I’m here with my brother and his girlfriend. They’re preparing for a romantic getaway.” Sammie giggled softly and grinned at us. “Caleb and Emma, this is Erin. She goes to school with me.”

  “Hello, Erin,” Caleb said politely. He knew what they were as well. His nostrils flared as he scented the air, and he tracked their movements closely.

  I nodded, forcing a smile. A vampire in college. It was a possibility I’d never imagined. Then again, I’d been surrounded by truebloods who didn’t care to be around anyone unlike themselves.

  Erin motioned to the young men flanking her. “This is Jason and Patrick. They made the trip with me.”

  They stood motionless. One had hair as dark as a raven’s wing. The other had locks as bright as freshly fallen snow. Both, like Erin, were shrouded in black clothing.

  “Nice to meet you,” Sammie said. Her friendly expression and happy voice never faltered as she introduced herself. They nodded at us with amber eyes gleaming.

  “Well, I suppose we’d better go. We have a long trip ahead of us.” Erin pursed her lips at Caleb, giving his body another appreciative perusal. “It was nice meeting you.”

  They walked past, their elegant movements taking them out of the door in total silence. I let out a huge breath of relief when they vanished around the corner, finally able to relax.

  Sammie turned on us and demanded, “What is up with you two?”

  I peered questioningly at Caleb. I didn’t know how much Sammie knew about vampires, or how much her family wanted her to know. But if she was attending college with one, I felt obligated to impart some knowledge her way. They were obviously common vampires, which meant they didn’t have any special abilities. However, even without special traits vampires were dangerous.

  Taking a steadying breath, I asked, “How well do you know those people?”

  “No, Emma!” Sammie sounded deflated, the happiness in her eyes evaporating like cool rain on summer asphalt. “Not you too! Mom, Dad, and Caleb I expect, but not you!”

  “I don’t mean it like that.” I scurried over to the boots and Caleb studied me closely. I stopped in front of him and crossed my arms, peering up. “We have to tell her.”

  He looked back and forth between us, struggling to make a decision. He knew as well as I did Sammie had to be told. It was too dangerous not to tell her. Unfortunately, he still regarded Sammie as a child instead of an adult, unable to see her as anything more than the kid sister he adored.

  “Do I need to remind you how old I am?” I whispered, exasperated and slightly annoyed. I glanced at Sammie and returned narrowed eyes to Caleb. “She’s not a baby anymore. We have to tell her.”

  His face tightened and his jaw clenched. He spoke heatedly, voice gravelly. “All right, as soon as we’re done here.”

  Sammie heard him and bounded over to help, grinning smugly. I chose a pair of black boots that came to the middle of my calf, distracting her with fashion while allowing Caleb to cool off in the process. The rubber soles were sturdy with a good grip, and more importantly, they were comfortable. Caleb chose black boots very similar to the trusty ass-kicking combat boots he wore around everywhere.

  Since Caleb refused to purchase another jacket—claiming his thick leather one was more than adequate—we searched the store until I discovered the one I wanted. It was baby soft, the outside tanned leather, the inside padded by lamb’s wool. I decided to wear it after we paid, snuggling into the soft and snuggly folds.

  We left the leather goods store, walked past several of the nearby shops, and ventured to the food court. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to know Caleb and Sammie would gravitate toward the steak restaurant.

  “Table for three?” the hostess asked.

  “Yes, please,” Caleb answered for us.

  The hostess snagged menus, placed them under her arm, and attempted to seat us in the front, directly across from the doors.

  “Do you have anything in the back?” Caleb purred in a husky southern lilt, pouring on the charm. His lips curved flirtatiously and I closed my eyes, smothering my jealousy. I took a deep breath to refrain from indulging in the temptation to smack him.

  “Uh, s-sure,” she stammered and smiled, smoothing her hair as she blushed and preened. “This way please.”

  She led us past the tables and into the back, to a spacious leather booth. Sammie slid in across the table, and Caleb thanked the woman before easing into the booth beside me. I glowered at him, pulled my new jacket off, and placed it beside me.

  “What?” he asked defensively.

  I ignored him and snatched my menu. Sammie snickered and pulled her menu open, glancing over the choices. I quickly chose the steak and potato before plopping the menu onto the table. I knew I was behaving like a scorned girlfriend, but I couldn’t help it. Women always responded to Caleb, even in my presence. And damn if it didn’t sting like a bitch.

  A young girl arrived at the table, her dark hair clipped back with several ink pens. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

  “A coke, please,” I said, followed by Caleb and Sammie who ordered the same.

  “And do you know what you’d like to order, or do you need more time?” She lifted her serving pad into the air, one of her pens at the ready to take our orders.

  “I’ll have the sirloin steak and potato, cooked medium.” I handed my menu to her. Sammie decided on the steak too, as did Caleb. Both ordered them rare, which made me cringe.

  “I’ll be back with your drinks.” The server hurried away as she continued scribbling on the pad and almost knocked over another waitress with a full tray of food.

  “So tell me!” Sammie whispered eagerly.

  “This probably won’t come as a monumental shock to you, but those people we met back in the store, well, they’re not exactly people.” I sat up as the drinks arrived.

  “I knew it!” Sammie exclaimed, toning it down when Caleb cast narrowed eyes in her directi
on. Sammie waited until the waitress left the table to ask, “So what are they? I knew something was different. They don’t move or smell like regular people.”

  I didn’t know of any other way to say it, so I blurted, “They’re vampires.”

  “No shit!” Her lips extended outward, shock replacing enthusiasm. “Like your parents?”

  “No,” I replied softly. “Not like them, they wouldn’t come here. Now, will you tell me how they know you?”

  “Erin is in my Economics class. I don’t know the other two at all. She’s pretty cool. She keeps to herself mostly. We got partnered this semester when we studied the stock market.”

  “Do they know about you?” Caleb looked concerned. Worry flickered across his face.

  “Of course not. Are you crazy?” Sammie snapped, insulted. “I know better than that, give me some credit.”

  Caleb relaxed. “I had to ask. Listen, I know you can handle yourself, but after everything that went down a couple of weeks ago, I don’t trust them—any of them.”

  I didn’t argue. With the exception of my parents and Trent, I didn’t trust them either. Vampires were all pawns for Decimus, whether they liked it or not. I reached for Caleb’s hand, my annoyance at his earlier indiscretion gone. His fingers wrapped around mine; warm, strong, and comforting.

  Our food arrived and I attempted to eat while Sammie and Caleb chewed away at meat that was still alive and bleeding. I kept picturing the cows in the pasture mooing as Sammie took a big, hearty bite and chewed. I averted my eyes, trying to focus on the steak on my plate.

  I managed to eat a couple of pieces before my stomach protested. Damn them and their werewolf appetites. I ate the potatoes instead, intent on finishing the buttery billows of white. Caleb and Sammie finished just as I did, literally wolfing down everything from their plates.

  “Would you care for some dessert?” the waitress asked when she returned to the table.