Destiny of Blood (Love of a Shifter Book 4) Read online

  “Do you hear yourself? They’re human too, Father. They’ve just been blessed to walk in a different form. That’s nothing short of a miracle. Nothing is wrong with them.”

  Emerson watched a sneer come across her father’s face. “Have I not taught you anything? They’re animals and bloodsuckers! You hear this: if you leave, then don’t ever come back. You will be disinherited, and you will not be welcome back into my home.” Emerson gasped at her father’s hateful words. She tried to stop the tears as they fell down her face. She watched as her father got up and walked to the bar, pouring himself a drink. “I never thought my daughter would betray me the way you have. You disgust me.”

  Emerson put her hand over her mouth. She couldn’t believe the man she’d loved all her life, who was her own flesh and blood, had just told her that she disgusted him. Where do you go from there? Her heart was breaking in a million pieces as his hurtful words slipped further into her soul.

  “What did I do to deserve this? What happened to you? Are you so full of hate that you would so quickly disown your own daughter? Weren’t you the man who would read bedtime stories to me and braid my hair? Where did that man go?”

  “Grow up, Emerson. This world is hard and cruel, and you have no clue what you’ll be up against. Murderers, rapists, and thieves, just to start. The blood that runs through your veins is Prescott blood. You’re better than that.”

  “What makes me better? Furthermore, what makes you better than them?” Emerson could feel the magic that was vibrating off her father tickling her nose. He was mad, and she knew that if he wanted to hurt her he could. She decided not to poke the bear too much. He would regret this later.

  “We are better, Emerson. Don’t you see that?”

  “I can’t believe I’ve never seen before how racist and egotistic you are. My whole life I worshiped you, but it doesn’t really matter anymore, does it? You may have made up your mind, but I have, too.”

  Emerson turned around and walked away. Once she got to the front door, she hesitated, praying that her father would run after her and shout that he’d made a mistake and that she was the most precious person in the world to him. But she heard nothing from him, not even a good-bye.

  She ran outside and got into her car before she could break down. As she pulled up to the front gate, Bob Franklin, the guard who’d been with her family for twenty years, came up to her window.

  “Miss Prescott, are you okay?”

  “Yes, Bob. I want to thank you for all that you’ve done for my family. I won’t ever see you again, and I wanted to tell you good-bye.” Emerson tried to hold herself together, and she bent her head, trying to stop the sob as it broke free.

  “Thank you, Miss Prescott, but please don’t cry. Are you sure you should be driving while you’re this upset?” Bob asked, concerned.

  Breathing in deeply, Emerson nodded. “Good-bye, Bob.” Her voice was rough, as she tried to keep her emotions concealed. She rolled her window up, not giving him a chance to ask any further questions. Bob must’ve taken the hint; he walked over to guard shack and pushed a button, allowing her to leave. One last time, Emerson looked in her rearview mirror at the home she was now forbidden to return to, and then she drove out of the driveway.

  Wiping her eyes, she started her GPS and began to follow its directions to Freedom, Colorado. She hadn’t gotten far down the road when she noticed a van pulled off to the side, in a ditch. A woman was frantically waving at her. Emerson rolled the passenger-side window down. “Are you okay?”

  The woman leaned down to the window as if to speak, then brought up a gun and shot her with it. Before Emerson could get a protection spell out of her mouth, the dart penetrated her neck. Her eyes turned back in her head as she slumped over, and the car rolled forward until it hit a tree and stopped with a gentle bump. Emerson tried to utter the words of a spell, but blackness took over.

  Chapter 9

  Sindrid paced his bedroom, trying to relax before he went to get Lilly. The mating pull was killing him, and he didn’t know if he would be able to control himself tonight. Her scent, her smile, and her laugh were killing him slowly. Never had he wanted a woman more than Lilly.

  Knock, knock. Sindrid walked over to his bedroom door. “Sir, your cell phone is ringing.”

  “Thank you, Miles.” Sindrid walked into his office and picked up the phone.

  “I have some information for you,” a voice said.

  “I’m listening.”

  “The information I’m getting is that the facility is in Rodmire, Vermont. I’m also hearing that it’s heavily guarded by all kinds of protections, including some powerful magic. The address is being sent by e-mail.”

  “As always, thank you. Your money is being transferred as we speak.” Sindrid pointed at Ramone, who transferred the money.

  “My king. This…” The voice hesitated.

  “You know you can say anything to me, and as always I will listen,” Sindrid reassured the man.

  “Something feels wrong about this place. Be careful. They’d love to get their hands on someone like you. Your blood alone could cure many human diseases. I fear for us all if this information fell into the wrong hands.”

  “Thank you, and I will take your advice. If you get anything further, call me,” Sindrid added as the caller hung up. Nothing further was said. He was shocked that the man had said that much.

  Apparently there was more to this then they thought, and extra precautions would need to be taken. He would need to speak to Jonas about this information. If they could do some scouting of the area before they actually hit the place, it would help them in the long run.

  “It’s almost seven,” Ramone advised him.

  Sindrid looked up at him blankly, deep in thought. “Thank you, Ramone. You can take the rest of the night off.”

  Ramone walked over, looking concerned. “Bad news?”

  “Just a bad feeling,” Sindrid answered.

  “Don’t forget our motto.” Ramone started to walk off, then turned back around. “When you have them, trust them.”

  Sindrid nodded and half-smiled as he watched Ramone walk out of the room. He glanced back at the clock and jumped up; he had five minutes to get to Lilly’s room. He ran to the elevator and pushed the button to go down.

  Lilly’s room was one floor down, and when he knocked on her door he smiled—he still had three minutes. His smiled faded and his heart did summersaults when she opened the door. She had on a black dress that seemed glued to her body, and boy did she look hot.

  Sindrid cleared his throat. “You look beautiful, Lilly.” He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He looked down at her shoes, and damn, he was in so much trouble: she had on a pair of Louboutin heels. They were plain and simple, but sexy as hell. Making himself look up, Sindrid finally worked his way up to her face.

  “Not good enough for you?” Lilly’s eyebrow arched up.

  “No! You look wonderful. Really.”

  “You look like you don’t like my shoes.” Lilly glanced down at them.

  Sindrid leaned forward and whispered in her ear, “Lilly, I want to fuck you in nothing but those shoes. I think I like the shoes, sweetheart.”

  Lilly snorted. “Okay, I’ll keep the shoes on then.”

  “Are you ready?” Sindrid asked.

  Lilly nodded and walked out of her room, closing her door. “I’m starving.”

  “Great, me too. But remember to save room for some popcorn later.” Sindrid guided her to the elevator. He pushed the button, then inhaled. Her scent hit him again, making him hard.

  “Lilly, when I’m around you…I can’t stop myself. I have to.” Sindrid grabbed her by the arms and kissed her, molding their bodies together. Her lips were soft and damp as he licked the outside of them until her lips parted, allowing him inside.

  Pulling away, he growled, “Wildflowers,” then kissed her again. In all the years he’d lived, nobody before her had made him weak in the knees, and so close to losing complete contr
ol. He was famous for never losing his composure, until he met Lilly. She was the most beautiful, arousing, and lustful woman he’d ever met.

  He cheered as a sound of pleasure escaped her mouth. No matter what happened tonight, he would be replaying those sounds, and this kiss, for nights to come.

  Pulling away for the second time became harder as her eyes slowly opened, her lips parted. She was exotic-looking; her eyes were crystal-blue with fire sparking off of them. Her chest rose and fell quickly as they just stared at each other. The elevator dinged, and the sound of people exiting it made him reluctantly pull back from her. He reached out and straightened her dress, then smiled.

  “Hungry?” Sindrid’s mouth quirked as she smiled back.

  “Starving.” Lilly’s voice was pure lust, and clearly communicated her real meaning.

  “Then let’s feed you first, and work on the other later.” Sindrid grabbed her hand and walked to the elevator. As they entered he could see her reflection in its mirrored walls; she looked flushed and ready. Her scent told him everything he needed to know, but it would have to wait. He would have to use a lot of that control he was famous for.

  The elevator started moving, then stopped on the second floor. Ten people stood around talking until the doors opened, and then their eyes focused on him. Sindrid could tell they were vampires as they lowered their eyes in respect then bowed to him.

  Lilly glanced over at him and nodded toward the others as they started moving.

  “Hello,” Sindrid said. All the vampires looked up, surprised that he’d spoken to them.

  “Hello, hello, hello,” they echoed.

  “How has your trip been?” Sindrid continued as he leaned against the wall. He could see their shocked expressions reflected in the mirrored walls.

  He waited, and in a moment they all started talking at once. They asked him questions about things like whether he was planning to live here in Freedom, or if he was going to be over the Vampires’ Council now. After a while the doors opened, allowing him time to give them one last answer. “I do plan to make my home here in Freedom, and yes, I will be more involved in what happens to our people. I have a website up and running, so that if you have questions or concerns you can send them to this e-mail.” Sindrid pulled out some business cards and handed one to each of them. “I will get back with you with an answer. Have a great trip, and I hope to see you again soon.” He took Lilly’s hand and started walking to the dining room.

  “That was great, Sindrid. Did you see their faces? They wanted to talk to you, and you gave that to them. They love you. That’s what a leader is to me; someone who makes time for their people, even though they’re a king or a dignitary.”

  Sindrid loved seeing her smile. “You love it when others are happy.”

  Her voice softened as she spoke. “Of course. Don’t you love it when you hear a child laughing, or when a woman smiles when she sees something that gives her joy, or a father watches his child? Nothing is better than to see people truly happy.”

  “You my dear, are a romantic, and a good person. No wonder everyone loves you,” Sindrid told her gently.

  “Lilly?” They turned around as a little boy tore away from his mother and ran straight toward her, almost knocking her off her feet when he jumped into her arms. Like a pro, Lilly held on, steadying herself with Sindrid’s help. He put his arm on her back so she wouldn’t topple over.

  “What’re you doing, Mouse?” Lilly rubbed noses with the little tot as he giggled.

  “We had so much fun today. I got to go sledding with Dad.”

  “That’s wonderful. Did you tumble and roll around in the snow?” Lilly tickled the little boy as she held him. His giggling was infectious, and Sindrid found himself laughing along with the boy. It occurred to him that this was a look into their future; Lilly would probably do the same thing with their little boy or girl. She’d be the greatest mother. He could see her rubbing noses with each of their children, showing them all just how much she loved them.

  “Who are you?” Mouse asked Sindrid. The child’s innocent eyes stared at him, waiting for him to answer.

  “Mouse, this is Sindrid Abner,” Lilly answered before he could.

  “The king of vampires.” Mouse gaped.

  “Yes. How did you know that?” Lilly asked.

  “Mommy pointed you out to Daddy. Do you have a crown?” Mouse asked, curious. Sindrid smiled back at the little boy.

  Yes, he had a crown—several of them, actually—but he didn’t wear them. Times had changed; people didn’t expect those trappings anymore. He still had them, though.

  He leaned in closer and whispered, “I do, but don’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t want them to think I was showing off. Can you keep our secret?”

  Mouse’s eyes got wider. He tried to whisper, but he did it so loudly that everyone could hear him anyway. “Can I see it?”

  “One day I’ll get it out of its case and let you put it on, how about that?” Sindrid answered with a wink.

  “You will? That would be so cool. You’re the greatest!” Mouse’s mom came over and took him from Lilly.

  She bowed toward Sindrid, looking at him with wide eyes. “I’m sorry to disturb you both, but he loves Lilly and he just runs up to her when he sees her.”

  Sindrid smiled. “It’s really no problem. He’s a great kid.”

  “Mom, he’s the king you were talking about! He has a cro…” Mouse jerked his hand up and put it over his mouth, stopping himself.

  “He has what, Mouse?”

  “Nothing. But he’s a king!” Mouse explained to his mom. He looked back over at Sindrid and smiled.

  “It was nice meeting you, and again, I’m sorry about the interruption.” Sindrid put his hand out for Mouse then his mother, shaking both their hands.

  “Nice to meet you too,” Sindrid said politely. “See you later, Mouse.”

  The little boy smiled and waved good-bye as his mom dragged him out of the dining room.

  “You’re very good with kids,” Sindrid acknowledged as they followed the waitress to a table.

  Her mouth curved. “I love them. You never have to second-guess where you stand with them. They’re honest and loving, and they only want your love in return. Mouse and his parents have been coming here since before he was born. Every year Mouse comes and finds me when he gets here, and he always has a gift for me. It’s always something he made at school or in church. So in return, I always put a special package in their room for him. He’s the sweetest kid.”

  “Is this okay for you, hun?” The waitress asked Lilly.

  “Sure is, and thank you.” The waitress winked before seating them. She took their drink orders and then left them alone.

  “I think they gravitate to you.” Lilly looked at him. “The kids. I think they gravitate toward you.”

  “Thank you for saying that, but you’ve only seen me with two kids so far. Although I do love being around them, I don’t always get a lot of time for that. I was hoping Ash would pop some out for us soon.” Lilly laughed. “If she heard me say that she’d call me crazy.”

  “It’s the truth. I honestly think that you’re well-liked by everyone that you come across. You have the kind of personality that makes everyone feel comfortable. Not a lot of people can say that. I think you bring out the best in people when they’re around you. That’s your talent,” Sindrid commented.

  “You buttering me up for something?”

  Sindrid laughed at her response. “No, but I hope it’s working. I need all the points I can get.”

  “I will say that you’re doing pretty good right now.” Lilly laughed.

  “Good; now let’s eat. I’m ready to relax and watch a movie,” Sindrid replied, opening his menu. They didn’t have much time to themselves, though, as vampires and pack members continued to come to their table to ask questions or introduce themselves.

  Sindrid wanted to be alone with her. He hoped that eventually the shine of him coming out into the world would
rub off, but nothing seemed to be working right now, as their food arrived with people still talking to him.

  ****

  “I’m sorry, maybe we should have eaten somewhere else,” Sindrid apologized, grabbing her hand and softly stroking it.

  “You don’t need to apologize to me. Their king has just re-appeared, and most have never even seen you before so it’s exciting for them. We have plenty of time. I’m ready if you are?” Lilly reassured him.

  Sindrid turned her hand over and kissed the inside of her wrist, making goose bumps come up all over her arm. He could feel her shiver as his tongue lightly touched her skin before he stood up. Even her taste was unique. Her blood was running through her body, calling to him. She would be the most tempting person he ever had.

  He could see in her eyes a lust that mirrored his own. Without saying anything he walked over to her and took her hand. Then, as quickly as he could, he walked them out of the dining room area toward the elevator.

  They entered the elevator, and then had to split apart because too many people got on with them. Everyone had to have picked up on the sultry looks he was giving her, not to mention their scent. He could smell her lust, and he knew the others could as well. He had to look away for fear of pushing everyone away from her. Nobody but him should be able to take in her scent. Please hurry, he wanted to shout to the elevator. Being cramped inside a tin box with Lilly’s lustful scent drove him crazy. He closed his eyes, willing himself to calm down.

  Apparently, the ones who were shifters and vampires knew he was fighting the lust-filled haze of Lilly’s scent. They never said a word, but he could see the sympathy on their faces.

  Once everyone was off, Sindrid put in his key for the penthouse. He didn’t want to look at her, but as he glanced up as her reflection beamed back at him.