Destiny of Blood (Love of a Shifter Book 4) Page 4

  “And you are. I can’t take his place, but I will regard you as my son as well.” Gabriel smiled, then ran over and hugged Sindrid. The child broke his heart, and the guilt almost ate him up. He’d let his pride get in the way once, but never again would he leave his family.

  “Now off to bed with you. It will be a busy day tomorrow,” Sindrid commented. Gabriel nodded, but glanced back at Lilly as he walked to the door. He closed the door behind him, which meant he trusted Sindrid; they were off to a great start.

  Sindrid sat down in the chair and watched as Lilly’s body turned toward him in her sleep and she snuggled into the covers. He’d never been so jealous of blankets in his life, but if he even touched her right now he would lose control. He turned off the lamp and went into the bathroom to take a cold, cold shower.

  Chapter 4

  “Did you hear that King Sindrid Abner has resurfaced and taken a mate, and that she’s a shifter girl named Lilly Wilder?” Franklin Devour announced to his friend Monty Pier, who finally looked up from his cards.

  “A wolf, I’d say from the last name. I believe a group of wolves own the Meadowland Lodge in Colorado. A quaint place, but filled with all kinds, from what I hear.” Monty leaned forward with a sneer on his face. “They let anyone come and stay. I’d bet that his people are up in arms that that wolf’s blood is going to taint his bloodline forever. I wished I could see Ross Wheaton now; he should be topping the trees. The highest of vampires is mating with a dog. What’s the world coming to now?”

  Franklin threw his cards in the middle, looking disgusted.

  “You’re such a snob, Monty. She isn’t a dog, just near enough,” Alastair Hamilton commented as he laughed.

  “Is that the pot calling the kettle black?” Monty joked back.

  “You’re very quiet, Kingsley. Is there something we can help you with?” Franklin asked his best friend Kingsley Prescott. Everyone turned toward him.

  Kingsley sighed and took a drink of his bourbon. “As you know, the Alpha Council has asked for more members to join the Unit. They want two more members to join the team; the Twisters’ Council has agreed, and unfortunately Emerson has volunteered.”

  Monty and Alastair gasped.

  “Of course you said no!” Franklin frowned when he saw the look on Kingsley’s face.

  “Of course I did, but Emerson has a mind of her own just like her mother did, and she says she’s going to go anyway. I’d almost believe she’s doing this just to spite me,” Kingsley added.

  Alastair intervened, putting his hand on Kingsley’s shoulder. “Maybe you should look at this as a way for us to get information for our future plans.”

  “What if this was your daughter, Alastair? Would you be so keen on allowing her to go and get hurt, or even killed?” Kingsley’s face turned red as he thought about his only daughter going off and mingling with wolves and vampires. As he struggled to keep his cool, the table started shaking. He could feel his magic brewing inside him as his anger rose.

  Ever since Emerson had told him she was leaving, he’d been having panic attacks. Emerson was his pride and joy. She was so far advanced in magic that he believed she was more powerful then him. All that power stored in such a bleeding heart was hard enough to accept, but now she wanted to go and help ‘her people.’ Her people were here, not working with animals, for God’s sake. But nothing he said would make her feel any different, and now she was leaving him and going off to put her life in danger—not for their kind, but for the shifters and lower-class vampires. He’d had the worst headache since she told him, and now all he could do was worry about her getting hurt.

  Franklin shook his head at Alastair, signaling him to stop before the man lost complete control. “Kingsley, calm down.”

  Kingsley closed his eyes and tried to compose himself. They’d all been friends since childhood, and they all held the same belief: that each race should only mate with its own people, so that bloodlines weren’t tainted. The three of them each believed that the Twisters’ Council was superior to any of the other paranormals, and that the others needed to keep to themselves. Wolves, bears, tigers, and other shifters weren’t anything but animals to them.

  They had to act differently among the other Council members until they could get the majority vote, but in the meantime they used their power to make sure that none of their family members were tainted in any way. They believed in arranged marriages, and only consorting with their own kind. Unfortunately, his only daughter Emerson obviously didn’t feel the same way, or she wouldn’t be leaving to go to work for the Unit.

  It was run by a wolf, for God’s sake, and among its members were wolves, tigers, bears, vampires, and wizards. His daughter would be the first witch.

  How could he let her go? He had no doubt that she’d be an asset to the Unit, but she was his only child, and they’d been a team ever since his wife passed away five years ago.

  “Kingsley!” He opened his eyes when he heard his name.

  Franklin and the others had already gotten up when the poker table crashed to the floor, shaking the room. “Damn man, that was a ten thousand-dollar table,” Monty snapped as cards and chips scattered across the floor.

  Abruptly, Kingsley stood up and walked over to the bar while his friends stared at him. “I’m sorry, Monty. I’ll buy you a new one.”

  “It’s okay. I’d already ordered us a better one; this saves me from having to have it moved or given to charity,” Monty assured him. Kingsley nodded and poured himself another drink.

  “I think I’ll take my leave, gentlemen. I need to try and talk some since into my daughter before she leaves, and I don’t want to ruin any more tables.” Kingsley turned up his glass and went to put on his coat and hat.

  “Remember we have your back,” Franklin said as Kingsley opened the door.

  “Yes, yes, I do know that, and thank you all.” Kingsley left before he could destroy the whole house. Unfortunately, the way he was feeling, he wanted to.

  He drove back to his home, hoping that he could use his last card to get her to stay. This was either going to work out in his favor, or his plan was going to go up in flames. Emerson was his only child, and he couldn’t allow her to go and be tainted by animals, and worse, vampires.

  *****

  Even in her sleep, Lilly could scent him. A touch of maple syrup crossed her nose as he stalked her from across the room. She knew it was a dream, but man, what a dream it was. Even the way he walked was sexy. She figured that after centuries of observing people he had all his moves down, and his swagger was no different. The man made her panties wet without even trying to.

  “Lilly, you love me. He will leave you. Look at me, Lilly. He’s the king of vampires.” Marcus grabbed her hand, demanding her attention. “He can never love you like I can. He’s a vampire. You need to be with your own kind.”

  Lilly wanted to hit him right across the face, but she couldn’t, because deep down she knew he was right. Sindrid would leave her one day, and even though Marcus wasn’t her mate, it hurt, it hurt real bad. Maybe this was something he did every century to pass the time.

  Lilly jerked herself awake. She looked at the ceiling and immediately realized where she was. Only the penthouse had those kind of exposed beams. She looked over and there he was, the object of her dreams. Except he wasn’t in bed with her like she’d thought he would be, but sound asleep in the chair beside it. His hair was still damp from his shower, but the look on his face was peaceful.

  She lay back down and took the opportunity to inspect him while he was asleep. He did look good, with his full red lips, and his nose was straight and fit his face perfect. Not one blemish could be found on him. His long eyelashes stretched down his face, until suddenly he was awake and staring at her.

  “Was I snoring?” Sindrid asked, concerned.

  She shook her head. “No. I woke up and couldn’t figure out where I was at.”

  He eyes glanced at the clock on the dresser. “It’s only three in the
morning. You don’t wake up this early, do you?”

  Lilly laughed. “No, but…it can’t be comfortable sleeping in that chair.”

  “It’s fine. Trust me when I say I’ve slept in worse places.”

  Lilly turned on her side. “Where at?” she asked. “I’m sure you have millions of stories to tell, and that’s the best way to get to know each other.”

  Sindrid smiled. “Well, one time I had to sleep on the desert floor, and I woke up with scorpions all over me.” Lilly giggled.

  “You should have heard Joseph and Jacob. They squealed like little girls.” Lilly watched as a frown came over his face when he spoke of his friend.

  “Did you miss him when you left?” Lilly asked.

  Sindrid nodded. “Yes, I did. I will never forgive myself for his death. I should have been there with him; if I had been, he’d still be alive today.”

  “You don’t know that. You could’ve been killed too, or taken. Just think if they had your blood what they’d do with it. The one thing I know is that you can’t dwell on what-ifs. You’re not a god, Sindrid.” Lilly was silent for a few seconds, and he watched as her brows furrowed. “Hey, you’re not a god, are you?”

  Now Sindrid laughed. He laughed so hard he cried, and then he wiped his eyes.

  “No, love. I’m not a god, but damn close.”

  “Figures.” Lilly turned on her back and looked up at the ceiling. “You know this isn’t going to work?” she said with a sigh.

  “How do you know? You haven’t even given me a chance, and from what I hear that isn’t like you. Which tells me everything I need to know.” Sindrid leaned the chair back and put his hands behind his head.

  “Okay, I’ll bite. What does it tell you?” Lilly asked.

  “That you’re scared.” Sindrid waited for it. He had to say this, or she wasn’t going to give him an inch. Her brother had explained that she’d been burned before, and that it made her gun-shy. So he would use the one card he knew would get to her.

  Lilly sat up. “I’m not scared of, of…” She threw her hands up. “I’m not scared of this. I just don’t think it’s going to work.”

  “To me, and to everyone else, it will only look like whoever it was that broke your heart, won.” Sindrid let those words settle in.

  “What? Boy, are you so wrong.” Lilly huffed.

  “Prove it. Even your brother says you’re still nursing a heartbreak from three years ago.”

  “What? He said that? I’ll kill them.” Lilly jerked the covers up to her neck, then back down again.

  Sindrid watched her fight with herself. He didn’t say anything, knowing she wouldn’t be able to keep silent much longer.

  “What do you want?” Lilly finally glanced over at Sindrid, who kept looking at the ceiling.

  “We date and get to know each other. See how it goes from there. We take it day by day. You think your broken heart can handle that?” Sindrid suppressed a chuckle when he heard her gasp.

  “You’re just like the rest of them. You court us, and then when we fall for it, you pick up and leave.” Lilly finally looked over at Sindrid’s face. What she found wasn’t what she expected. He was mad—really mad.

  “I’ll give you that one, because whoever it was did a number on you, but love, don’t ever compare me again to the kind of man who does that to a woman. If you do, don’t think I won’t put you over my knee and spank that pretty ass of yours.” Sindrid could smell her lust the moment he said it, and he wanted to smile, but he couldn’t. Instead he reached over and turned out the light he’d switched on when they started talking. There was nothing else to say to her. Actions were going to speak louder than words, and tomorrow he would need to pull out his best yet.

  Chapter 5

  When she woke up in the morning, he was already gone. Lilly knew she’d let him goad her into going on a date with him, but for some reason she couldn’t say no. Now she needed to go deal with her brothers for telling Sindrid that she was still nursing a broken heart.

  She wasn’t going to put up with that, even if they were both Alpha males and pack leaders. They’d broken her trust by telling him; he was a complete stranger, and they just folded like a piece of paper, flapping their big fat mouths in the wind.

  Lilly got up and found her suitcase sitting by the bed. She figured Ash had found out she’d fallen asleep in Sindrid’s room and had packed her some clothes. She smirked—how presumptuous of all of them—then went into the bathroom. She could smell his scent everywhere now, even in the shower. Of course he’d used the shower hours ago, but his scent was still strong, and it lingered in her nose and on her clothes.

  Pulling her hair back in a ponytail, Lilly walked out of the bedroom to find Gabriel with a book in his hand, waiting for her. Jumping up, Gabriel ran over to her. “Are you ready?”

  Lilly had no clue what she was supposed to be ready for, but she knew she’d better find out because the kid looked excited.

  “Um. Ready?” Lilly asked.

  Gabriel’s expression went from the biggest smile to the saddest frown she’d ever seen. “I thought you wanted to go snowboarding today, but if you can’t now, that’s okay.” He started to turn away.

  “Who said I didn’t?” Lilly stood with her hands on her hips, one eyebrow arched up.

  “Really?”

  “Of course. First we have to go eat a good breakfast, because we’ll be burning a lot of calories. Then we’ll go to my office and get my board and clothes. Then we’re off to the slopes!”

  “Oh… I don’t have a board, or proper clothes. I don’t have money to buy any, either. You think someone could lend me theirs so I can practice?” Gabriel asked.

  “You have plenty of money; I’ve already set up an account for you here at the lodge. All you have to do is say ‘charge it to the penthouse.’” Sindrid announced as he walked through the door. Gabriel and Lilly both turned around as he joined them.

  “I appreciate that, but I can’t take it. I had a job before we left, and I’ve always worked for my spending money.” Gabriel stood up straight as he spoke. She liked this kid.

  “How about I give you a job here at the lodge for your spending money? I’ll cover your snowboard and clothes, and then you can pay me back when you get your first paycheck. If that’s okay with you?” Lilly glanced over at Sindrid, who was smiling. “To be honest, you’ll be helping me out, since I was going to put it out to the pack that I needed an assistant. Hey, you do know how to use a computer, right?”

  “Yeah, I’m really good with computers, but are you serious, Lilly? You’re not just trying to be nice to me?” The poor boy looked like she was going to take back what she’d just said.

  “Of course I’m being serious. I really need an assistant. Especially one your age. You see, part of my job here is entertainment and knowing what kids would even like is even beyond my capability, which is where you come into to play. You’re going to help me think up things for your age group to do. Now come on, we have a lot to do today. You have to meet my cousin Nash. He’s in charge of security here, and he’ll get you all sorted out.”

  “Are you this nice to everyone you meet?” Gabriel asked.

  Lilly walked over and put her arm around the kid. “Gabriel, for some reason I just like you. You’re a good kid, and yeah, I do enjoy helping people out. Is that okay with you?”

  “Sure. I just… Well, I didn’t want you feeling sorry for me or anything. I really want to earn my own money; that way I don’t feel obligated to anyone,” he answered, and it made her want to cry. He was such a good kid.

  “Your parents had to be great people to have a child who turned out as fantastic as you.” Lilly pulled Gabriel in for a hug.

  “They were great people. I wish you could have known them,” Sindrid said softly. “I was wondering if I could go skiing with you today? It’s been a while, but it looks like today is going to be a wonderful day to ski. Fresh snow just fell last night and early this morning.”

  “That
would be so cool!” Gabriel was thrilled, which left Lilly with no choice but to say yes.

  “Sure,” was her only response. They both looked excited, and she couldn’t let Gabriel down. The boy had been through enough already. Plus, it would do Gabriel some good to hopefully see the man he idolized fall flat on his face a few times. Nobody needed to be perfect. If they were lucky, she’d have her camera out to show her family.

  “What are you smiling about?” Sindrid asked. Lilly hadn’t realized that she was staring at him and smirking.

  “Oh, nothing. Well, let’s go—I’m starving.” Lilly waved at Joseph, letting him know that she was leaving before she left him standing there.

  Still smiling, Lilly walked out the door and into the elevator. She didn’t make eye contact with Sindrid, because she knew how keen his sense of smell was. Right now, she knew he’d be able to tell that she wanted him and wanted him real bad. Thankfully the elevator door soon opened and she could breathe again. Her nose took her to the dining room, where a group of wolves had just finished and the waiting staff was already cleaning off the table. All the staff and pack members spoke or waved at Lilly as they walked in. Like her brother had said, she was a likable person, one that made others gravitate to her happiness.

  “You like pancakes?” Lilly asked Gabriel.

  “Yes, is that what I smell?” he answered.

  “Yep, but these gooey concoctions are to die for. They have all kinds, too. The pancakes come out light and fluffy, bigger than any you’ve had before, and then if you want to add strawberries, or any other kind of fruit, it’s just the icing on the cake. I love them with chocolate-covered walnuts.” Lilly bumped Gabriel with her hip. “But here’s a tip for you: I started out just like you one day, and I decided that I’d just work my way through the menu starting with the first kind of pancakes and working all the way down the list. Then once I’d gotten to the end of the pancake menu, I made a list of my all-time favorites.”