Medical bay.
The smell of the pine disinfectants lingered in the air. We are standing in a group that includes Lucien, Jaden, and a handful of others. There isn’t any sign of Damien. Strange, he is always by Lucien’s side. Aria isn’t here either; I felt relief in that.
We haven’t talked to the young man ourselves. I think only a couple of us should go in if Lucien gives us the go-ahead. Adrian has informed Lucien that he had fallen back to sleep and had advised that he shouldn’t be woken up. So, we are standing here like a group of nitwits.
I raised my eyes to find that Lucien was watching me. I froze as my senses leaped back to life. My pulse quickened, my heart thumped behind my breasts as his black eyes impaled me. The double meaning of his gaze was obvious. That look enthralled me. My heart danced with excitement; the pull was more potent each time I saw him. The surrounding air seemed electrified; my feelings for him intensified, his nearness overwhelming. I couldn’t do this; I couldn’t let him get to me.
“The young man managed to give more information,” Lucien said as he turned his gaze away, “a group of five huge naturals took him. He was gagged and bound. The van they bundled him into was dark in color. They traveled for what seemed around two hours.” Lucien nodded to Jaden, as if to tell him to carry on.
“They kept him in a sizeable stone-built building. Trees were scattered around the surrounding area. Once they entered the building, they gave him to another group. From what he told us, it has at least thirty floors.”
My mind whirled with uncertainty. I needed to concentrate on what was being said. I couldn’t understand how he had gotten away. “Lucien, it makes little sense. How is it possible? Why wasn’t he stopped or questioned by someone?” I said. Putting my feelings to one side. “Did he see anyone else?” Hoping maybe he glimpsed Megan or Nathan, or other humans or naturals.
“That is something we need to know. We know that he was held in some sort of cell,” Lucien replied, “and every other day he would be taken into some sort of medical room where they,” he paused before he continued, “they did some sort of tests on him. They took his blood. He remembers they not only talked about a powerful vampire they had somehow captured and that they had placed a young bloody human woman in his cell. They spoke of other naturals and humans they had taken. Not only that, he said he heard yelling, crying, roaring, and was sure he saw a dragon.”
This was simply crazy; I knew that the vampire and woman were Nathan and Megan. If she was in a cell with him. Would he hurt her, drain her of blood? I didn’t realize I had uttered my thoughts aloud until I heard Jaden say.
“This vampire could be Nathan and the woman, Megan. The male I know will not harm her, not intentionally.”
“And if he’s gone bat shit crazy? What then?” I demanded, “Are you a hundred percent certain he would not hurt my sister?”
Jaden looked at us all, meeting all our gazes with sorrow as he said, “The man, the male I know wouldn’t no. But the man he might have become, I can’t give you a definite answer. Can you say your sister will be the same person?”
I hated to admit it; no, we couldn’t. We could only hope.
I turned my head and met Lucien’s gaze. “When he awakens, I want to be there. We need to find out if he can give us any more clues to where they took him.”
“We know roughly where he was taken and how long they traveled for. Adams already working out where the building they are in is possibly situated,” Lucien revealed, “the minute we have a location, you will know. Pray that Adam finds the building they kept him in. Once the site has been found, I will notify the other leaders. If they have not found the location before our next meeting, I will tell the leaders then.”
Chin tilted with a cool stare in Lucien’s direction, Pamela stepped forward. So far, she had been reticent! “Make sure you keep us updated.”
Dark eyebrows slanted in a frown, his jaw clenched in displeasure before his lips twisted into a sour grin, “That’s what I have been doing from day one,” Lucien replied.
As if he’d never spoken Pamela continued “When you go to find the location, we want to be there.”
Anger burned hell hot in Lucien’s gaze; his angry voice stabbed the air. “That’s not possible.”
Rasing an elegant eyebrow, Pamela replied. “Why? We are more than capable of holding our own.”
Fists clenched in a fury, he bellowed, “That may be the case, but I can’t have a group of witch omegas walking into gods know what. You are too valuable to lose.”
I clenched my hands as they hung stiffly at my sides. Did Lucien think we would just simply give in to his demand? “Hold on,” I interrupted their exchange; what a load of crap. “are you telling us because we are omega, we may not fight? What do you think our ancestors did if they felt challenged? Do you think they sat back and twiddled their fingers as they took each hit with a turned cheek?” I realized I was basically screeching at him but didn’t give a fuck, “Tell me, Lucien, when Aria attacked me,” I reminded him, as I stepped closer, “did I turn the other cheek? Did my witch? No, we fucking didn’t. So, do not expect it to happen now.”
Lucien stills, his expression clouded in anger. “LEAVE,” he barked out.
“We are not leaving Scarlett alone with you!” Pamela spits out.
Swinging his head towards Pamela his voice was icy when he answered, “Do you think I would hurt her?”
Without thought for her own safety. Pamela yelled, “You have hurt her already. More than you can ever comprehend.”
My stomach churned as a black silence surrounded them. This was getting out of hand. Laying my hand on her arm, I say, “Pamela, it’s fine.” I can see the protest about to come from her mouth, “I will be fine,” I reassured her, “I’ll meet you all in the hall.”
Her mouth spread in a thin-lipped line, eyes leveled under drawn brows. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” Pamela protested.
I slowly turned and met their gazes one by one. They disliked the thought of leaving me alone. This was something I had to do.
Placing her hand on her shoulder, Melissa said. “Pamela, I don’t like the thought of leaving Scarlett here on her own either, but she is a grown woman and more than capable of looking out for herself.”
I heard the protests falling from Pamela’s lips; the others joined in one by one. Melissa is the only one who doesn’t utter a word as she observes mine and Lucien’s exchange. I met Lucien’s heated gaze.
I raised my voice above the drowning noise around me. My gaze darted from face to face, as I turned towards my family. “I will be alright,” I told them.
I open our mental link, ‘I will be ok. Please, trust me. I might find out what’s going on with Aria.’
‘I don’t like it. None of us do,’ Pamela huffs, ‘but I understand why you think you need to do it, be careful.’
‘I will, I promise,’ I reassured them.
I watched as they all, including Jaden and Adrian, left the room, leaving me alone with Lucien. He watched as they left the room one by one.
Melissa was the last to leave. She paused, turned, and keeping her features composed, she gazed into his black eyes, “I don’t care how powerful you are,” she told him, “if you cause her any more pain, I will not think twice about gutting you,” she warned him as she closed the door with a click.
As he turned to look at me “She doesn’t mince her words,” Lucien said.
“No, she doesn’t. None of them do, and she wasn’t joking,” I warned. I sat on the chair closest to me. “What did you want to talk about, Lucien?” I sighed, rubbing my forehead.
His voice was heavy with sarcasm. “What do you think I want to talk about? The weather?”
“I honestly don’t know. I thought we had said everything that needed to be said,” I replied as I met his black eyes and hoped he didn’t see the hurt I felt inside.
He stalked across the room in long strides; each step took him closer to where I sat. He was like a fierce, predatory creature of nature. He came to a halt; he stood there, his powerful body like a caged animal. He reached out to touch my face. “There’s so much more,” he whispered.
I turned my face away before he could touch me; I didn’t need his softness. I can’t believe anything he told me. I must be mistaken to see a haunted look on his face.
“You want to talk. So, talk.”
He ran his hand through his dark hair, legs parted, as he replied in frustration, “You are very stubborn, do you know that?”
I lift my chin until I can see his entire face. “So, my family tells me from time to time. So, do you want to tell me you are no longer with Aria? That the marking that shows you are bonded is no longer there?” I watched for any sort of acknowledgment that I was correct. Nothing is forthcoming. His face is emotionless, and my words mean nothing. It’s plain as the nose on my face that I am wasting my time. I needed to get out of here. I see his eyes flash red at my words.
His forehead scrunched into deep lines. “I can’t tell you that.”
Does he enjoy tormenting me? “I will not be the other woman, Lucien. No matter what, my feelings are for you. I will not play second fiddle.” I said as I tapped on my chest. It seemed I had struck a nerve by the tensing of his shoulders.
“I won’t give you up.” His face contorted with rage, “You know you belong to me, to us.”
I clung to my anger like a lifeline in a storm-tossed sea. “No, I don’t! You had a choice, and you chose Aria. If you had wanted me that badly, you would have found a way for us to be together.”
“THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY,” came the tormented roar from his mouth. “I tried, but this is the only way I can protect you.”
I let my anger seep away; he doesn’t get it. He thinks I’m powerless, a helpless human female; I exhaled, “And that is where the problem lays.” I said in a soft voice. I moved towards him until we were nearly touching. Reaching up with my hand, I laid my palm on his rough cheek; I could feel the bristles of the hair coming through. “I love that you felt you had to do that, but you don’t need to protect me. Deep down, I know, you know that. I can hold my own against anything that Aria might throw my way.” I gazed into his eyes; I saw the slight flicker of admission. He knew I was right, “For whatever reason, you chose to bond with her, and I am sure that mark would still be there if I pull up your sleeve.” I dropped my hand and took two steps backward, “So you must have some sort of feelings for her no matter how slight.” I wanted the proof that my heart could accept; without it, there wasn’t any hope. How could I trust him and believe what he says when he is still bonded to Aria?
He reached out, grabbed my wrist, and pulled me back towards him. “You don’t get to tell me how I feel. I am doing what I think is necessary to protect you and your family.”
He reached up, cupping my face. His eyes lingered as he stared down at me. He looked like an angry wolf that wanted to devour me. My body betrays me; his thumb moves until it’s touching the corner of my lips. This is the only man I have ever wanted. I was crazy. He examined my face as if he was trying to see something; he could see deep in my eyes.
“We can’t do this,” I whispered as his lips hovered over my own.
“That’s bullshit. This is happening.”
Liquid heat settled low in my belly. Lucien whisked his fingers over my face; his touch was as light as a feather. He lifted me into his muscular arms, carried me over to the only bed in the room. He leaned down, laying kisses on my face. My hand curled around in his hair. He lifted his gaze as his lips hovered over mine. He pressed his lips hard on mine, kissing me so slowly it felt like heaven. I felt like I was floating, drifting. His kiss grows more powerful, as if he can’t get enough of me. He lifts his mouth to kiss the corner of my lips before sucking my bottom lip. The kiss was so powerful, so sensual. My breath came out shaky as my fingernails clawed at his scalp. In my need, I moaned his name.
“Should I fuck you here like this?” he whispered against my mouth. His warm breath fanned my bruised lips; his kiss was full of wild, ravenous hunger.
Every place his fingers touched left a flame of liquid fire. Desire ricocheted to my very core. “I…” I muttered. I wanted to feel him inside me, but I knew it was wrong.
“I want to fuck you until you don’t know where I start and you end.” He continued to stare at me with a gaze so dark that I nearly missed the flash of red.
There was no protest as he stripped me of my clothing. I watched through hooded eyes as he unfastened every button, exposing my skin. Flinging off my shoes, he unbuttoned my jeans and pulled them off before tearing off my red top. Leaving me in nothing but my red panties and bra. I watched in fascination as he stood and removed his jacket and shirt, revealing his hard, muscular body. Muscles were so solid and robust that they rippled under his skin. His shoulders were broad, his hips narrow. I felt my pussy clench and ache; I pressed my knees together. He undoes his pants, pulls them off, and drops his boxers. The clothes hit the ground and reveal him in his full glory. He stood before me, bold and erect. He strips me of my bra and panties, leaving me utterly naked to his fiery gaze. His labored breathing echoed around the room.
He crawled onto the bed until he was hovering over me. His eyes seemed to darken with passion as I felt his body mold to my own. My hands pressed against his abs and crept to his chest. I can feel his strength underneath his scorching hot skin. I felt the fluctuation as his demon came closer to the surface. Some might tell me I’m mad. I don’t care; I know he would never hurt me. I was naked underneath his body; his eyes roamed over my body. Taking in my naked form. He leaned down, kissing the valley between my breasts. My hips seemed to have a mind of their own as I started to grind into him. My clit rubbed against his cock.
“You’re beautiful,” I whispered as I touched his stomach and slowly made my way upwards.
I never heard her enter, and I never felt her presence. All I heard was the banging of the wooden door as it hit the wall and the voice screaming.
“You, bitch.”
The muscles in his back tensed. Lucien was up, standing there in all his naked glory.
It took less than a few seconds for the voice to penetrate my mind.
“Aria,” Lucien yelled, his curt voice lashing at her, “get ahold of yourself.”
I sat up. I shakily jumped off the bed and grabbed my clothing, hastily putting them back on. I am so fucking stupid. Will I never learn?
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Aria seethed with mounting rage, her eyes flashing as she charged forwards trying to get to me, “You are cheating on me with that cunt,” she spits out, “and you tell me to get hold of myself.”
His voice was cold when he answered. “You know full well I am not cheating.” I stopped what I was doing. Lucien had lowered his voice. I watched him gather her in his arms and pull her towards his body. “We discussed this,” I heard him whisper into her ear. I realized he didn’t know I could hear them. “I have to get every bit of information from her before we hand them over to Malcolm.”
“It’s hard to be in the same room as her knowing you have to touch her,” Aria replied. “you have slept with her, and to walk in on that it isn’t right.”
I froze; I felt the slam to my gut. My heart is breaking a little more. No, I must have heard wrong. I shook my head, not wanting to believe what I was hearing. I stood there as I listened to their conversation carry on. He reminds her what they both agreed on and what they would do. It’s not going to happen. I carry on as if I hadn’t heard a single word of their conversation. I’m a stupid fucking idiot. How could I have ever let him back in? I felt like crying, but I won’t let them fall. It would show them I’m as weak as shit, and I’m not. The fact that my eyes stung and my heart hurts made me feel so damn pathetic, causing my hurt to turn into white-hot anger.
I call out to my family through our link.
‘Pamela,’ I felt her the instant we connected.
‘Scarlett?’
‘Don’t ask questions. I will tell you as you make your way back. I need you all at the medical bay now.’
I felt all my family joining the link as Pamela told them I had demanded them to get back. I didn’t tell them I had been about to have sex with Lucien; they could make that out themselves.
‘Aria came into the medical bay unexpectedly. I don’t know what they have planned, but once Lucien gets what he wants, he plans to hand us over to Malcolm.’
‘What?’ I heard Melissa yell, ‘Are you sure?’
‘Oh yes, I am sure. They think I can’t hear their conversation, but I can hear every word. We have to leave, now.’
‘We will be there in less than two minutes.’ Pamela reassured me. ‘Whatever you do, don’t let them know you heard their conversation.’
I ceased our link and turned my attention towards Lucien and Aria. He now has his pants and shoes back on; the man who had been making love to me was gone. In his place was the man I had first met. Aria stands there by his side, a smug expression on her face.
From the hallway, I heard the running footsteps of my family. Hearing movement behind him, Lucien turned and watched as they all stepped into the room. Aria turned towards the noise before swinging her head back towards me.
My family walks over to me until they are beside and behind me. I joined my link to Melissa’s. ‘Get the portal ready. Inform the others we are leaving.’ I felt her shock at my words. I’m relieved she doesn’t question me; we haven’t got time for it. That can come later. I feel the gazes of my family as I relay my message to them. I hear the chanting begin around me. Mia and Abigail stood in front of us. I listened to the chant and watched as a light blue, yellow shield appeared before us; it swiftly traveled, going around either side of us until it met at the back and joined to form a complete circle. There’s an almighty bang when it binds, turning invisible.
“What’s the meaning of this?” Aria demanded; as she moved towards us, Lucien placed his hand on her stomach, stopping her in her steps.
I ignored her question.
The minute Lucien’s gaze met mine, his eyes flashed red. I will not let him see the pain he has caused; I just needed time for this pain to go away. I don’t let him say a word. No, fuck him. I’m done with his lies and his games. I am done with these feelings, emotions, and anything that comes with it. I have something more precious. I take a deep breath. I won’t let him see me cry.
My voice shook. “You know? I would have done anything for you.”
“Scarlett,” Lucien replied, his voice rough, his eyes flickered between me and what’s happening behind me, “take down the shield so we can talk this over.”
“No. You don’t get to say a word to me. You have done nothing but lie, and I was stupid enough to believe them. But no more.” I took a step backward. “I should have listened to my sisters, to my family when they warned me. But I didn’t want to believe what they said.” I took a deep breath.
“You can have him; he’s yours. But then I guess he always has been,” I said as I looked at Aria before I turned my attention back to Lucien. “I have given you enough of my time. I have been hurt enough. I have had enough of your lies; there was no way I was going to let either of you hand us over to Malcolm.” My voice cracked, and a lone tear rolled down my cheek. Fuck, I hate crying. What’s worse is they are both witnessing it. I swiped that lone tear away. My anger built. I see the shock on his face when he realizes I heard every word he told Aria. He drifted toward me; though the shield was in place and I knew he couldn’t get to me; I took a step back.
“Keep away from me,” I warned.
“Scarlett, are you ok?” Mia calls out as they all watch our exchange.
I turned my head. “I’m fine, Mia,” I reassured her. The chanting has stopped. The portal had formed behind me.
I realized Melissa was staring at Aria. I don’t like the look that’s in her eyes. ‘Melissa, what are you thinking of doing?’ I asked her down our link.
‘This spy fly needs to be on her before we leave.’
Fuck, how on Earth is she going to do that?
‘Fine, if you can get it onto her with neither of them realizing. Do it.’
I turned my head back to face Lucien. Holding his gaze, I said to him, “As of this minute, we are nothing to each other. We will find our sister on our own without your so-called help. Do not come after my family or me, you will not like the outcome.”
I slightly turned my head until I was looking at Aria; the look of satisfaction isn’t hard to see. “I hope you know what kind of cunt is standing beside of you. I would not turn my back, Lucien. A knife might end up in it. I advise you to question your bonded mate, and while you’re at it, why don’t you ask Aria why she wanted to kill Alex? What is she plotting behind your back? Ask her about the shifter who walks these halls. Who we know has been reporting back to her.” I took another two steps backward; the portal was now at full strength; I turned my head as I heard Melissa call my name. I missed the dark look that Lucien throws Aria’s way, his eyes flashing red as if a fire had been set alight and what he whispered into her ear.
“Scarlett, it’s time to go,” I heard her call out. I nodded my head in acknowledgment. Melissa and Pamela stood on either side of the swirling portal; the others stood in the front.
“Send the others through first.”
I turned my full attention back to Lucien and Aria. I heard the ‘fucking hell’ before they slowly did as I asked. “Ask her why she visited the dark witches and how long she has known they were there or that they existed.”
“Scarlett, do not go through that portal,” Lucien yelled, forcefully walking towards me as I turned on the tips of my feet and walked to where Melissa and Pamela were standing. I heard the growling coming from his mouth; I swung my head towards the sound. His skin had started to change color, his skin rippling on top of his muscles, his eyes had turned completely red. I knew his demon was trying to come forth.
“STAY,” I knew that this was his demon speaking to me; I saw the look of shock on Melissa’s and Pamela’s faces. “Don’t leave. Don’t take either of you away from me. I will protect you both.” Shock rendered me silent. His voice rang with pain and echoed in the broken chamber of my heart.
I don’t want to believe what he’s talking about, but I am one hundred percent certain he’s talking about my child. Without thinking, I placed my hand over the top of my stomach; somehow, he must have been able to sense the child I was carrying.
“I’m sorry,” I replied, shaking my head, my eyes welling up as my eyes met the burning gaze of the red ones, “I wish that was possible, but I cannot take that chance.”
By the time I stepped through the other side of the portal, I knew Lucien would know what his demon was referring to.
It doesn’t take long for the roar I hear coming from Lucien.
If I didn’t know better, I would have said it’s a mixture of two souls crying out in torment and anger. I watched as Pamela and Melissa went through. As I stepped into the swirling portal, I heard the bellow, as my name is screamed. I couldn’t stop myself; I turned as I reached the other side. Aria stands over Lucien, a smug look on her face. Lucien had fallen to his knees, his head in his hands. At her feet isn’t the demon; it’s the man. The man I saw before me looked broken. I heard the raging violent sounds coming from his mouth.
I shouldn’t feel guilty or be filled with regret. I am not in the wrong. Am I? I stepped towards him; someone placed their hand on my arm, stopping me from going further.
“It isn’t safe,” they whispered, “not now.”
As if feeling my gaze, he lifted his head. I can’t help the gasp from my mouth. His eyes. They look as if they are alight. As if there is a burning fire inside of him. As the portal closes, I heard through our own link.
‘I will find you. No matter how far you try to run, I will never let either of you go.’
